Noemi Photography

When I married Matt 10 years ago there were a few things I knew for sure.

1. I was never going to live in Canada again

2. I was going to go to Bethany Church

3. I was going to be friends with Dave and Vicki Willcock

My friendship with Vicki wasn’t instantaneous. It was a journey. Not cause we didn’t like each other because we did (well, I guess I should only answer for me…I did!)  But, we were (and are) opposites in so many ways and trust had to be built.  That doesn’t happen in an instant even though I wanted it to. Some things are worth the wait and this friendship is one of them. We had to walk many miles alongside each other and in the sharing of life we became incredible friends. Part of our journey is sharing the births of all 6 of our kids…Somehow it worked out for both of us! We both have a girl, boy, girl family of five  now!

Vicki was my best kept secret for a few years…now I feel like everyone is in on it and they are delighted to know her too!

She’s the first person I would call in an emergency and I know she would always be there for me.

She’s one of the rare people that truly delights in serving.

She’s changed over the last couple of years…stronger, bolder in truth, and more confident walk forward even into the unknown.

I’m so proud to you Vicki. Proud to be your friend. Thankful you are in my life.

Here’s some pictures of Vicki loving life with her  kids…love you Vick!

Life moves so fast. Sometimes I feel myself slowing down on the inside and listening to my thoughts. Today i didn’t like what I heard. I don’t know why I’m comparing and being critical – I know I could reason it out and say it’s normal but, I don’t want to be normal. I want to be kind and loving AND that means grace for those around me. I want that from others and I want to be that person who gives freely. I will give more.

I know I can ask forgiveness and start over so, I do. This afternoon is a new day. I want to focus on what is good and noble and wise and kind…and pray that it comes out of me too! I will let go of what is past.

Life is going fast and I don’t want to spend my time judging, being critical, angry, and selfish. But, i don’t think I knew that being a servant would be so hard. I can complain that I’m not naturally a servant but, I know I can learn so that’s not really an excuse. I have so many amazing women around me who serve and delight in it. I will rub shoulders with them and hope some of it rubs onto me. I will be teachable.

I want so much from this life. A big part of that is because of the people around me. I want to be a blessing and train my kids to that giving is truly better then receiving. The only way I know to do that is to model it…I will serve more.

Do you ever feel like you already give so much? Or that there’s nothing left to give? And definitely nothing left to keep for yourself? Today I was thinking that…but, I realized investing in those around me is all I have in this life. I will love.

whew. I feel better. Funny that i actually miss blogging my thoughts. They get so piled up in my head when I’m editing day and night. It was a good thing to just sit and write.

www.noemiphotography.com

I printed out the Kindergarten list of “must haves” and I was shocked to find out it’s a full page! I know that’s something I’ll probably get used to but, I’m not there yet. So, I went with my list to TARGET and stood there with all the other Mom’s picking out everything needed. Good thing supplies are dirt cheap right now. I am a deal lover – why not save money if you can! (Have I ever told you about Pocket Your Dollars? It’s awesome. Every couple of days she sends out an email with deals all over the Twin Cities. I’m saving money all the time. Sign up – it’s free!)

I’m learning that school is expensive. Clothing, supplies, accessories…gulp. I know this is just the beginning I’ve heard what it’s like once they start in sports and activities. I guess we’ll just have to adjust the budget as we go Adriah is going to a Charter School so I’m investing (and I mean investing!) in her school uniform. She is going to look so cute! I will take pictures!

Since, I feel a little behind the ball…any wise words for the new school mom. Anything you’ve learned that I should know??? And I mean any-thing. From the first day to the last day. Us Moms need to stick together.

www.noemiphotography.com

So today we made the 2 1/2 hour plane ride home from South Carolina. You’d think after yearly (and sometimes more) trips back and forth I’d be used to it but, flying with 3 kids (5 and under) has a certain unpredictability that keeps me on the edge. My comforts are that I have great kids, an extremely organized and patience husband AND no matter what…it’s only 2 1/2 hours of my life! Having said that the kids did great – not sure why I stress at all.

Spending 2 weeks in SC is medicine to my soul. Seriously. Every morning we start we lovely coffee (creamer and milk mostly), we plan our day…

1. pool

2. park

3. walks in the forest

4. visit our fav. restaurant (chick-fil-a) or try something totally new.

5. games (Settlers of Catan, Bocce Ball, Boggle, Scrabble)

6. uninterrupted time with my family

7. movies (old and new)

8. celebrating birthdays (anything in the next couple of months qualifies as close enough)

9. Dinners in – all the classics like Chicken and Noodles and Crepes

10. reading a novel from start to finish with every spare second I have.

All these things make a great vacation. Spending time with extended family who loves doing all these things with you…makes it a perfect vacation.

It’s good to be home. But, I have to say. I can’t wait to start planning the next vacation.

P.S. I took plenty of pictures and I can’t wait to share them with you!

www.noemiphotography.com