Callen at Tulip Time in Pella, IA
Callen with friends at Pella Tulip Time . . . Naomi and Max
Callen and his sweet girl . . . Naomi
Friday, May 22, 2009
Pics from May
Callen and I at Reiman Gardens, Mother's Day
Callen with friends at Pella Tulip Time . . . Naomi and Max
Callen and his sweet girl . . . Naomi
Callen with friends at Pella Tulip Time . . . Naomi and Max
Callen and his sweet girl . . . Naomi
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Love Affair Workshop
Many of my faithful readers already know that at the end of May I will be done with my job at Cornerstone Church. After six years of incredible ministry and personal challenge, God has given me a new job - Callen's mom! Mark and I have known all along that when we had two kids, I would stay home. Nope, not making any announcement here . . . it just seemed like it was the right time now rather than waiting.
If you are a long time reader, you also know that I've dabbled in photography for quite some time. I sort of fell into it by accident. Then it became something I enjoyed doing as a creative, on the side outlet. I don't know that I am really any good at it . . . that's where the LOVE AFFAIR WORKSHOP comes in.
In July I am traveling to Atlanta, GA, for a week of intense training AND intense fun! Four fabulous ladies (one of whom I have known since she was in elementary school!) host this event for women only, and from what I understand, it is much more about personal growth and understanding and balance than it is about photography. Don't get me wrong, I will come away knowing more about photography than even I possibly can dream about. But I am so looking forward to really getting it - a new passion for this "hobby," a clearer picture of what MandyBee Photography should look like, and some definition of even the real viability of photography as extra income for our family.
They are also hosting a scholarship contest, hence this post. They will enter names in a raffle for each task attendees accomplish. Here's hoping that the name that comes out of that hat is mine!
I'll leave you with a pic of two of the sweetest boy on earth . . .
If you are a long time reader, you also know that I've dabbled in photography for quite some time. I sort of fell into it by accident. Then it became something I enjoyed doing as a creative, on the side outlet. I don't know that I am really any good at it . . . that's where the LOVE AFFAIR WORKSHOP comes in.
In July I am traveling to Atlanta, GA, for a week of intense training AND intense fun! Four fabulous ladies (one of whom I have known since she was in elementary school!) host this event for women only, and from what I understand, it is much more about personal growth and understanding and balance than it is about photography. Don't get me wrong, I will come away knowing more about photography than even I possibly can dream about. But I am so looking forward to really getting it - a new passion for this "hobby," a clearer picture of what MandyBee Photography should look like, and some definition of even the real viability of photography as extra income for our family.
They are also hosting a scholarship contest, hence this post. They will enter names in a raffle for each task attendees accomplish. Here's hoping that the name that comes out of that hat is mine!
I'll leave you with a pic of two of the sweetest boy on earth . . .
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Sunshine and first touches of grass!
Beautiful sunshine day in Iowa, tulips in our backyard
First time to actually feel the grass.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Random Pictures
Mr. Callen is now 9 months old. He says "Mama" and "da da" and something like "ba . . ". He is crawling fast around the house and pulling up on anything taller than he is. He is a sweet boy.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
A Birthday Tribute
38 reasons I love my husband:
1. He loves God.
2. He loves me.
3. He likes to dance.
4. He is Callen's daddy.
5. He loves Callen.
6. He is a hard worker.
7. He makes me laugh.
8. He is quirky.
9. He is very smart.
10. He is a super connection group leader.
11. He spoils me.
12. He eats my cooking.
13. He loves his family.
14. He wants to make a difference in this community.
15. He likes to work in the yard.
16. He loves my family.
17. He does the laundry.
18. He wakes up early with Callen and lets me snooze a bit more.
19. He is learning to be patient with my emotions.
20. He is helping me learn to communicate through my emotions!
21. He is my best friend.
22. He wants the best for our family.
23. He works hard to provide for our family.
24. He tells me I am beautiful.
25. He sings silly songs to me.
26. He encourages me.
27. He is an incredible dad.
28. He likes to travel.
29. He is loyal to his friends.
30. He does ALL of the snow removal in winter.
31. He mows the yard in spring/summer.
32. He doesn't get mad when I forget to fill up my gas tank.
33. He is not an angry fellow.
34. He protects me.
35. He challenges me to be open minded.
36. He is a thinker.
37. He appreciates art.
38. Did I mention that he loves me????
Happy 38th Birthday Mark!
1. He loves God.
2. He loves me.
3. He likes to dance.
4. He is Callen's daddy.
5. He loves Callen.
6. He is a hard worker.
7. He makes me laugh.
8. He is quirky.
9. He is very smart.
10. He is a super connection group leader.
11. He spoils me.
12. He eats my cooking.
13. He loves his family.
14. He wants to make a difference in this community.
15. He likes to work in the yard.
16. He loves my family.
17. He does the laundry.
18. He wakes up early with Callen and lets me snooze a bit more.
19. He is learning to be patient with my emotions.
20. He is helping me learn to communicate through my emotions!
21. He is my best friend.
22. He wants the best for our family.
23. He works hard to provide for our family.
24. He tells me I am beautiful.
25. He sings silly songs to me.
26. He encourages me.
27. He is an incredible dad.
28. He likes to travel.
29. He is loyal to his friends.
30. He does ALL of the snow removal in winter.
31. He mows the yard in spring/summer.
32. He doesn't get mad when I forget to fill up my gas tank.
33. He is not an angry fellow.
34. He protects me.
35. He challenges me to be open minded.
36. He is a thinker.
37. He appreciates art.
38. Did I mention that he loves me????
Happy 38th Birthday Mark!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Look at me!
So on Sunday, Callen pulled up in the crib at church. On Sunday afternoon, he worked on practicing his skill instead of taking a nap.
Here I go . . .
Just a little more . . .
Steady now . . .
Ta Da!!!!
Here I go . . .
Just a little more . . .
Steady now . . .
Ta Da!!!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
What Callen has been up to . . .
We have been a bit slow in posting some of Callen's happenings lately. Here are a few pictures for the fans . . .
Callen and his cousin Fin at the Stenberg family Christmas in January.
All the Stenberg "little" cousins
Wearing a hat that Grandma brought back from her cruise through the Panama Canal.
Sweet sleeping little boy
Supporing his favorite Turkish "futbol" team - FENERBACHE!
Callen and his cousin Fin at the Stenberg family Christmas in January.
All the Stenberg "little" cousins
Wearing a hat that Grandma brought back from her cruise through the Panama Canal.
Sweet sleeping little boy
Supporing his favorite Turkish "futbol" team - FENERBACHE!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Response to Christi's tag and thoughts from this week
Harper tagged me to post either the 1st picture in my 8th file or the 8th picture in my first photo file. Since the one in the 8th file is of me eating . . . I'm choosing the 8th photo in the 1st file . . .
That's Angie and Philip Likens at their rehearsal in Hot Springs AR. What a great weekend!
This Week:
This has been a hard week. Sunday night I discovered that I was spotting a little, always a scary moment for an expecting mom, especially one who has experienced miscarriage before. Monday morning we made an appointment to see a doctor at our clinic. For whatever reason, I told Callen as I was changing him right before I left for the clinic . . . "Whatever happens, we will choose to be thankful!"
It was clear very quickly on the ultrasound that our sweet baby had stopped growing somewhere around 5 weeks. Something in me seemed to already know that, because the shock of the news didn't seem to hit so hard. Don't get me wrong, I cried. I have been very sad. But something had prepared me for the moment. And let me go ahead and also give props to the sweet, gentle ultrasound tech Jan . . . so hard for her to give that kind of news, but her heart was tender and geniune. She mourned with us.
I think it has been both harder and easier this time around. Harder because we had already announced the news to friends and family near and far. To take back that kind of news is difficult. I know there will be awkward moments in the coming weeks when people who have not yet heard will inevitably ask the question. Lord give me grace and strength in those moments. It has been a bit easier because I have known what to expect physically. The emotions are the same, and not necessarily easier.
Callen has also been a GRAND JOY these past two days. God has truly blessed Mark and I with a wonderfully sweet and fun little boy. Callen just lights up when either one of us walks in a room, and who doesn't love that kind of response? He is growing so fast. Yesterday morning when Mark went in to get him, Callen was sitting up in his crib - that's a fun new accomplishment. Well, it was fun until he did it at 2a this morning and didn't know how to lay back down . . .
On Monday afternoon, God planted Job 1:21 in my heart. Later in the day, He reminded me of the refrain of a worship song based on that passage
"You give and take away, You give and take away
My heart will choose to say . . . Lord BLESSED be your Name!"
And just now I looked up the lyrics to the entire song. Oh, the Lord is good.
"Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name"
BY: Tree 63
AND . . . God has pre-ordained a visit this weekend from some of my most favorite people in all of the whole world . . . Billy and Elizabeth Johnson AND Angie S are on their way to Iowa this weekend. Oh, how I love blessings!
Thank you to so many of you for the sweet messages, emails, and voicemails. I love that God has given Mark and I such a wonderful community. We will indeed choose to say . . . Blessed Be YOUR Name oh Lord!
That's Angie and Philip Likens at their rehearsal in Hot Springs AR. What a great weekend!
This Week:
This has been a hard week. Sunday night I discovered that I was spotting a little, always a scary moment for an expecting mom, especially one who has experienced miscarriage before. Monday morning we made an appointment to see a doctor at our clinic. For whatever reason, I told Callen as I was changing him right before I left for the clinic . . . "Whatever happens, we will choose to be thankful!"
It was clear very quickly on the ultrasound that our sweet baby had stopped growing somewhere around 5 weeks. Something in me seemed to already know that, because the shock of the news didn't seem to hit so hard. Don't get me wrong, I cried. I have been very sad. But something had prepared me for the moment. And let me go ahead and also give props to the sweet, gentle ultrasound tech Jan . . . so hard for her to give that kind of news, but her heart was tender and geniune. She mourned with us.
I think it has been both harder and easier this time around. Harder because we had already announced the news to friends and family near and far. To take back that kind of news is difficult. I know there will be awkward moments in the coming weeks when people who have not yet heard will inevitably ask the question. Lord give me grace and strength in those moments. It has been a bit easier because I have known what to expect physically. The emotions are the same, and not necessarily easier.
Callen has also been a GRAND JOY these past two days. God has truly blessed Mark and I with a wonderfully sweet and fun little boy. Callen just lights up when either one of us walks in a room, and who doesn't love that kind of response? He is growing so fast. Yesterday morning when Mark went in to get him, Callen was sitting up in his crib - that's a fun new accomplishment. Well, it was fun until he did it at 2a this morning and didn't know how to lay back down . . .
On Monday afternoon, God planted Job 1:21 in my heart. Later in the day, He reminded me of the refrain of a worship song based on that passage
"You give and take away, You give and take away
My heart will choose to say . . . Lord BLESSED be your Name!"
And just now I looked up the lyrics to the entire song. Oh, the Lord is good.
"Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name"
BY: Tree 63
AND . . . God has pre-ordained a visit this weekend from some of my most favorite people in all of the whole world . . . Billy and Elizabeth Johnson AND Angie S are on their way to Iowa this weekend. Oh, how I love blessings!
Thank you to so many of you for the sweet messages, emails, and voicemails. I love that God has given Mark and I such a wonderful community. We will indeed choose to say . . . Blessed Be YOUR Name oh Lord!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Callen was tagged . . .
Callen was tagged by his friend Renea to do a 10 Random Things list. Renae's list is great! I don't know how good Callen will do . . . but here we go!
1. I am really really good at blowing raspberries. It is how I greet my dad most of the time when he comes in the door. I hope he knows it means "I AM SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU!"
2. Mom and dad tell me that I am going to be a big brother. I'm not really sure what that means. But they seem really excited about it, so maybe it won't be so bad. (REVISION: My mom and dad are sad . . . seems like my little brother or sister won't be joining us in September. We still believe that God is good and we trust Him.)
3. One of my most favorite things in the world right now is to take a bath. Splashing is so much fun. And I really like to play with my yellow ducky, my yellow police ducky, and my hippopatamus (I bet you are impressed that I could spell that!)
4. My mom is making some baby food for me and it is really really yummy. I especially like the apples.
5. I'm working really hard to learn to crawl. I've figured out how to use my arms to scoot myself backwards. But it seems that most of the time the toy I want is in front of me . . . man, I need to figure out how to move forward!
6. My mammaw gave me the coolest jumping horse for Christmas. It makes horsey sounds when I jump. I just love to jump.
7. Man, Renae . . . you are older than me. Was this list hard for you? I'm really having a hard time coming up with ten things. I mean really, my day still pretty much consists of eating and napping and some playing. Can I stop at 7? I'm gonna stop at 7. Maybe when I am as old as Renea I can do a longer list.
1. I am really really good at blowing raspberries. It is how I greet my dad most of the time when he comes in the door. I hope he knows it means "I AM SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU!"
2. Mom and dad tell me that I am going to be a big brother. I'm not really sure what that means. But they seem really excited about it, so maybe it won't be so bad. (REVISION: My mom and dad are sad . . . seems like my little brother or sister won't be joining us in September. We still believe that God is good and we trust Him.)
3. One of my most favorite things in the world right now is to take a bath. Splashing is so much fun. And I really like to play with my yellow ducky, my yellow police ducky, and my hippopatamus (I bet you are impressed that I could spell that!)
4. My mom is making some baby food for me and it is really really yummy. I especially like the apples.
5. I'm working really hard to learn to crawl. I've figured out how to use my arms to scoot myself backwards. But it seems that most of the time the toy I want is in front of me . . . man, I need to figure out how to move forward!
6. My mammaw gave me the coolest jumping horse for Christmas. It makes horsey sounds when I jump. I just love to jump.
7. Man, Renae . . . you are older than me. Was this list hard for you? I'm really having a hard time coming up with ten things. I mean really, my day still pretty much consists of eating and napping and some playing. Can I stop at 7? I'm gonna stop at 7. Maybe when I am as old as Renea I can do a longer list.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
FINALLY! Christmas Pictures
Thanks for your patience to the two of you who read this blog!
We had a great two weeks in the south for Christmas. We split time between my mom and Jerry's incredible new place in Damascus, AR and my dad's in Tallulah, LA. It was fun to be with family and enjoy lots of lazy time. Callen got loved on a TON by everyone. He's recovering well!
Latest developments in Callen's world:
Sitting up AND rolling over
Eating peas
Babbling a little more
16 pounds at his last doctor's appointment
FINALLY, I had some time to put the pictures on the PICASA album. There are TOO many to post here. I'll throw in one or two just for kicks. But otherwise, follow this link to the album:
Here's the slide show if you care to watch it:
We had a great two weeks in the south for Christmas. We split time between my mom and Jerry's incredible new place in Damascus, AR and my dad's in Tallulah, LA. It was fun to be with family and enjoy lots of lazy time. Callen got loved on a TON by everyone. He's recovering well!
Latest developments in Callen's world:
Sitting up AND rolling over
Eating peas
Babbling a little more
16 pounds at his last doctor's appointment
FINALLY, I had some time to put the pictures on the PICASA album. There are TOO many to post here. I'll throw in one or two just for kicks. But otherwise, follow this link to the album:
 |
| Christmas 2008 |
Here's the slide show if you care to watch it:
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Twas Two Weeks Before Christmas (Abridged)
Twas two weeks before Christmas, when all through our house
Everything was stirring, but thankfully there wasn't a mouse
(I don't think mom could handle that . . . .)
These sockie things were hung by our fireplace with silver hooks,
Not sure what they are for, maybe just for looks.
I'm sleeping now all night in my crib,
with drips of rice cereal dancing on my bib!
The days are pretty cold, so I wear a cap,
and I'm even learning how to take a long nap.
Mom and Dad decorated the house really nice,
we've even enjoyed a nice fire once or twice.
There's talk of this dude who brings presents galore,
I don't know about all that, but I am sitting up more and more.
Mom is sending these cards full of happiness and cheer,
They bring wishes of joy, peace, and hope to friends far and near.
Mom and Dad show me this pretty scene,
I'm learning each day that this is what it all means:
A baby like me was born long ago,
and we want all our friends and family to know . . .
This season means more than hurry and fuss
Jesus came to bring life to ALL of us!
Merry Christmas from Callen!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving
Here are some pics from Callen's first Thanksgiving. We spent the day with the Stenberg family - both immediate and extended. It was a nice day.
Thanks mammaw for the "little turkey" duds!
Thanks mammaw for the "little turkey" duds!
Check out my new trick . . . I can sit up pretty good when I'm supported. I like this view!
Sweet baby blues!
Sheer Delight!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Callen Travels to Louisiana
We traveled to Louisiana at the end of October/beginning of November for Louisiana Tech Homecoming. It was so much fun to see old friends, introduce Callen to Ruston, and relax at my dad's house to end the weekend. We enjoyed every minute of the trip and even celebrated a BULLDOG victory!
Enjoy the show!
Enjoy the show!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Center Grove Orchard
I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take some great fall pictures of our little punkin' amidst the pumpkins at Center Grove Orchard. Callen's red hair just BEGS for fall photos. Enjoy!
For the die hards . . . . you can check out the album on picasa to see the pictures a bit larger. Its worth it!
For the die hards . . . . you can check out the album on picasa to see the pictures a bit larger. Its worth it!
 |
| Fall 2008 |
Friday, October 03, 2008
Callen Mark is THREE MONTHS OLD!
So hard to believe that three months have already passed in this little boy's life. Callen is a joy and so much fun to have around. He's smiling more and more and even laughed for the first time with his daddy just yesterday. We are blessed.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Teri's Wedding
This weekend we took a road trip to Sheldon, Iowa, for Teri Hulshof's wedding. I did the pictures for the family and ceremony. Jen, Eve, Teri and I are all friends from Ames. When I take pictures, I'm rarely in them . . . so here's one Jen had taken with her camera and a photo of the bride and groom for anyone who knows sweet Teri!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Busy busy busy
It has been busy busy busy around our house. I'm back at work part time but for these first few weeks of D6 (our mid week ministry and my main ministry focus) it feels like I'm working overtime!
Here's a little photo video I put together from our Labor Day weekend with the Stenbergs at Clear Lake. Turn up your sound . . . this one has some music!
Here's a little photo video I put together from our Labor Day weekend with the Stenbergs at Clear Lake. Turn up your sound . . . this one has some music!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Callen is 8 weeks old!
Eight weeks ago today the most precious little boy came into our lives. He is a treasure and such a gift from God. Enjoy the pics from his 8 week birthday.
Also, don't miss the first ever CALLEN video on the previous post!
Also, don't miss the first ever CALLEN video on the previous post!
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