Every year at this time I reflect on my blessings and what God has done for me and my family.
I also return to the passage in Psalms 136.
I seem to forget sometimes what God has done for me and that He will love me FOREVER.
And its seems the writer of Psalms 136 wanted the readers to never forget that God's love endures forever. 
Psalm 136
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
23 He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
My heart sings when I see a boy in love with his momma.
Isn't he just soooo cute!
75. volunteering in my son's class
76. my children holding my hand
77. sunflowers
78. shimmer on the lake
79. scent of my freshly bathed child
80. songs that move me to tears
81. scripture
82. poetic words from others that makes me reflect on God
83. friends over for lunch
84. hard working husband
85. soccer
86. surprise gift in the mail
87. a thankful heart
1. My Labor Day weekend started out with a 8.5 hour drive to Chicago with my son throwing up in the toilet once we arrived at our destination.
2. Thankfully my kid is a sport and was willing to drive another 1.5 hours in the morning to meet dear friends at Fair Oaks Farms. Just in case your wondering my son was throw up free throughout the night.
3. I would totally recommend Fair Oak Farms if you live near Chicago or Indianapolis. Favorites of the dairy include watching a live calf being born, the best grilled cheese and ice cream, and doing back flips on the bungee.
4. There is something pretty awesome about reuniting with long time friends. And bitter sweet since you know you won't see them for a while.
5. Here is a picture of our friend's and our kids together at the dairy:
6. The main purpose of the Chicago trip was to take pictures of my beautiful niece.
7. I can't believe my nieces are growing up so fast. I remember this blondie as a three year old standing on a chair singing as loud as she can "Jesus Loves Me." I can't believe she is a senior.
8. While I was in Chicago I also was able to hang out with my maid of honor. Pretty sweet reunions. Overall great weekend.
9. This week is going to be packed. I'm already longing for the weekend.
10. Here is my list of gratitudes:
Gratitudes:
45. long time true friends
46. reunions
47. healthy kids
48. delicious ice cream from the dairy
49. safe travels
50.75 degree weather
51. dessert with a friend
1. I've been anxious. Last night I had a hard time going to sleep. We had "Meet the Teacher" night last night and my daughter's kindergarten teacher wasn't there. She's pregnant and was sick. It was hard with the not knowing who my daughter was going to spend her days. I did get to meet her teacher this morning :)
2. My daughter has been so excited about starting school. She has been talking about going to school for weeks. She had her outfit planned and everything. So, I was excited for her.
3. I didn't know how I was going to react with my baby going to kindergarten. No tears were shed, just heavy weight on my shoulders. Will she do well? Will she make friends? Will she be kind to others? Will her teacher know how special she is?
3. My son on the other hand wasn't quite as thrilled to start school. He's been dreading the standardized tests that 3rd graders take since he heard about it last spring. Thankfully one of his best friends is in his class.
4. While my kids spent their first day at school, I spent the morning at a friend's home having breakfast with other moms. It's the yearly first day of school, mommy stalker breakfast. It just so happens that this friend lives across the school playground. We set chairs out in her front yard and watched our kids play during recess. It's a great time to talk, console etc.
5. Both of my kids exited school beaming so it was a good first day of school.
6. It was also a great last day of summer yesterday. Kids did crafts, played well together. We got a drink at Sonic, went to the park, baked a cake, watched a movie. I could not have asked for a better day. I wish I could say all my summer days had been like that- kids getting along, having fun together.
7. My daughter last week decided that she wanted to make and sell her artwork. We decided it would be best to give the money to kids who didn't have much, so she chose to donate her artwork proceeds to Grace Baptist Joplin Relief Fund. My son also decided to join in and made some art to sell as well. They generated $70. I was impressed with the amount and touched by the kindness.
8. I'm at a loss for what to say next so I will conclude with my gratitudes:
Gratitudes
36. my child's excitement for school.
37. daughter's choices for clothes.
38. childhood friendships
39. routine
40. conversations with my children
41. husband's smile
42 yellow cake with chocolate frosting
43. a smile as my daughter exits the school door on her 1st day of school.
This weekend I had the opportunity to take pictures of this beauty.
I knew when she walked out of her home, it was going to be an easy shoot.
I loved the color of her eyes. Depending on the background, this gorgeous girl's eyes appear to change color. Are they blue?
Or are they green?
We finished off the photo shoot at one of my favorite places to take pictures. The lighting was perfect.
It was such a pleasure!
Are you a senior and need pics? I am having a special for seniors this fall. 12 free wallets with the session fee. Contact Jen Klamm at bjklamm@msn.com for more details.
