Where I'm Goin...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

A few Sundays ago, after a long weekend, I was driving to the store to grab a few things before the busy week ahead began. I started watching all of the passing cars zoom by me and as I was driving I began thinking about where everyone may be going in such a hurry. Out to eat? To the store? To a friend's house? 

In that moment, it seemed as if my car was driving itself and I thought about where I was headed as well. In reality, I was heading to the store. But as I began to look at the big picture, that is my life, I really began to wonder if I really am on the path that God wants me to be. I am a christian, wife, mom, daughter, friend, aunt, photographer, and blogger...but am I where God wants me to be? I believe so but I still need direction.

 As I finished my drive to the store, I prayed that God would open doors to where I need to be now and later and what I need to be doing and where I need to be headed...not only towards Heaven but to make a difference to those that need His love. I also prayed that everything be done to His will and to show His love through me.

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Something as simple as going to the store can surely make a difference if you're where you need to be.
When I got to the store, exhausted to begin with, I got the stuff I needed and headed to a check out lane. I had a few items and a man that stood behind me in line only had one. I told him that he could go ahead since it wouldn't take him as long as it would me. He proceeded to thank me and tell me how kind I was and that he was very thankful that I let him cut ahead of me, and he made a big deal of it. And I needed that. Of course, I was just trying to be kind but I couldn't help but smile at the man and simply tell him, "you're welcome". Because of where I was at that moment, I was able to show God's love through a simple act of kindness. And not only that, but I was able to justify my feelings of "needing to be where I need to be to do what I need to do" to show God's love. Feelings confirmed.

Sometimes we can only see the picture of life where we are right now. But God can see the whole big picture which is comforting. So my question for you is, where are you headed? Is it where God wants you to be so His plan can unfold? God knows our plans and to serve Him and give Him glory, we must follow the paths he has layed for us.

Xoxo,

Tanna

Busy, Blissful Summer

Summer is a time for picnics, BBQs, pool time, weddings, vacations and traveling, warm weather, no school, and relaxation. Summer makes me happy. Summer is blissful.

 I love summer but with summer comes no school which means a more flexible schedule. And a more flexbile schedule just provides more time and opportunities to make precious memories with my darlings and handsome hubby.

I love blogging and am glad that my busy summer schedule is finally allowing me some time to do it. Our family has been completely busy with weddings, swim lessons, traveling, and much, much more.

But no one can rock summer like these two...always melting the hearts of those around them.

I hope you all enjoy the quick post of pictures. Hopefully more blogging will fit into my summer schedule soon! And I also hope everyone is enjoying summer freedom as much as we are!

Xoxo,

Tanna

There's No Place Like "Home"

Ever since moving away when I married my amazing husband, family gatherings have always been near and dear to my heart. Matt has always known this about me. When we were first married, if he ever noticed I was getting homesick, he would pack up the car and take me home to the place where there are no worries in the world. The place where my heart and soul come to life.

My Grandma and Grandpa's house.

There are days when I wish I could just run to my Grandma's, where I know she can fix everything, even the best meal ever.

Even Finlee can agree with me when I say that my Grandma is the best cook ever.

Fun Fact: Finlee is sitting in the same high chair that all of my grandma's grandkids sat in when they were little...and now my kids get to.

I've learned so much from this woman and when I see her interact with my girls, my heart melts.

Grandma's is a place where I can go to meet up with my brothers, cousins, dad, my niece, and my other most favorite Grandma Vivian. And last weekend we traveled there to catch up with family and friends yet again. And it's weekends like those that I wish never had to end.

And what's a trip to Grandma's without a tea party, makeover, and a little fun in the water?

And to make the trip even more special, my high school english teacher just happened to be in town. She happens to be one of my biggest role models. I just love her.

And never in a million years did I think that my little girls would be playing with her little girl. And I loved every minute of it.

And of course, all good things must come to an end but not until a trip to see the spunkiest family I know.

We had a BBQ at Matt's brothers house and it was the perfect end to a perfect weekend.

Even though I love all of these pictures, this next one might be my favorite. There's just something about a father's love that gets me everytime. Not only does Matt have a great role model for a father but he too is also a great role model himself.

My family and I have been so blessed with family and friends that mean the world to us. No matter where they live, I know I will always have one of them to lean on and learn from and that is the greatest gift there is. Love from a family or friend is priceless. I am overwhelmed to tears when I think about the love that my girls have and will be shown in their little lives. So thank you my friends and family for being the people that you are. Let God's love continue to shine through you.

And talk about a girl after her own Daddy's heart...

Hope you have a great rest of the week!

Xoxo,

Tanna