Brantley & Richard

NEW blog!

2011-10-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

After a long time of saying I was going to do this... I FINALLY did it! Since first starting my personal blog, I continuously said I want to do a blog like our photography blog. The main reason I haven't done it until recently were the costs. Since blogger sites are free... I just kept with it. But because of the many things I have wanted to do with my blog... I decided this change would be best.

So.... not only does the blog have a new look - it also has an entirely new address!

www.forthisjourneywereon.com

Be sure to change this in the blogs you follow so that we will show up on your news feed. And don't worry, for any of those interested in being able to look back - this "old" blog will be linked back here. So... I will leave this one up - only I will only be updating the new blog!

So, what are you waiting for? Go check out the NEW blog and let us know your thoughts. I'm sure I will continue to play around with the design and change things up until it feels perfected. But for now, I think I'm happy with it! Enjoy!

Until then... Brantley

Amazima!

2011-10-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

Look what came in my mail today!!! After reading Katie Davis' book, and committing to travel to Uganda in March - I wanted to show my support towards the Karimojong woman & Amazima's mission! So... I looked on Amazima's website and found THIS!

I LOVE IT! And I love the little packaging too!

But what I LOVE most - is that by purchasing this $16 bracelet, I am helping to keep one of these women from turning to prostitution, digging through trash, or even alcohol brewing! For me... that is BIG! I love this bracelet so much and its comfortable to wear. I'm thinking about buying a few more for Christmas gifts! :) What do you think?

With that being said... you remember we talked about Richard and I traveling to Uganda in March? Well, the total cost of our trip is $6,400, but we have been richly blessed and only need to raise $1,200 to get there! Will consider praying for us, and possibly supporting us?

Thanks for your continued support!

Until then... Brantley

Trick or Treat

2011-10-27T07:17:00.000-07:00

Oh how this year is flying by! My baby girl will be 10 months old a week from today (Thursday)! We've experienced some good times so far, and I anticipate what the rest of the year is going to bring! Yesterday, we experienced another "1st", as we dressed Katherine Grace in her Halloween costume and headed to my parent's church - where they put on a BIG Fall festival!

Here are some from our evening!

She's become such a curious little thing, and is easily distracted by what is going on around here. Therefore, its becoming quite difficult to get that fun smile I love so much! :)

But we did manage one or two!

Katherine Grace with Grammy & Pop!

They even had goats. :) She loves the goats at the zoo... so I was glad they had some here too!

Yet again... distracted by something. :)

Thankful at least mommy got a couple smiles! :)

All in all, we had a great time and she really did well! I was wondering how she would do with her costume and all... but she seemed to embrace it! :) We had fun, caught up with some people we haven't seen in a LONG time and enjoyed a fun evening out!

Until then... Brantley

Love.

2011-10-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

Love that face!

And this one too!

Okay... and maybe this one too!

Who am I kidding... I love all of her many faces! :)

I LOVE that we have bonded more over the last 3 months than ever before! She is my love, and boy does she have a lot of love to give! Here she is "rocking" her baby! (her new favorite thing)

I love her curiosity!

I love that she loves to crawl all over me.

And then I get squeeze her and tickle her until she giggles the most precious giggles! :)

I love that she loves to look at her books, and even understands flipping through each page & flap!

Just a few of the things I love about this little lady! And I love loving on her! Getting excited about the Fall Festival tonight and Trick or Treating! She's gonna be the cutest bumblebee in town! ;)

Until then... Brantley

My little Bumblebee!

2011-10-26T04:34:00.000-07:00

Is it true? Could it really be that my baby is less than a week from being 10 months old?? This post is a little late, sorry for that. This was taken Monday - but I haven't had a chance to post. :)

We're going to the zoo this afternoon for a fun little day trip - then off to the Fall Festival to get our TRICK OR TREAT on for the 1st time!!! We're so excited for all of the many firsts with her! Pics to come from those adventures soon!

Until then... Brantley

One Door Closes... Another Opens

2011-10-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

When one door closes, another door opens! That has been the story of my life. Just one more reminder that God is the writer of this story... NOT me! I must always remind myself that He knows what is best for me, and He has my life already planned out. I must remember to trust Him and his will for my life.

There are so many things on my mind and in my heart. I'm not a place where I'm ready to share all of the details. But... I will share some of what has been going on these past few months.

1 Peter 1:6-9

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Voices 4 the Voiceless was something planted in my heart from God. I FIRMLY believe that, and still do. Unfortunately, we have had MANY ups and downs. One being where we would serve. My heart had been in so many places, I couldn't find a way to narrow down our "horizon". I didn't want to choose. I wanted so badly to help orphans everywhere! So, we committed with the first "open door" and ran with it. There was definitely prayer involved, unfortunately, not complete surrender, and seeking God's will entirely. Many good things came from our starting V4V, in fact we did accomplish a lot, and gained some good exposure for orphans in the Congo. Some people didn't even realize the magnitude there.

But... just because we were doing a "good thing", doesn't mean that the Congo was where GOD wanted us. In fact, even though I fought and battled with what God was trying to show me... I was continually reminded that God had something else. In my head though, I fought it. I battled with my own confusion, the fact that many doors had opened for us, and we had already planned a trip! Why God? Why now? I am so confused! And too be honest, some days, I am still confused. But the fact of the matter is, God is the author to this story, and I must trust HIS plan. Even though I don't have all the pieces figured out, He does. I must go in trust and believe that His plan is far greater than my own.

There is a lot more to this story that I am not ready to share at this time. Maybe it will come, but for now, I am just believing that my God is bigger than me. He has NEVER left me in the dark alone. It wasn't until this past month that God began to reveal many things to me. Through scripture, encouragement and a WHOLE lot of prayer - God is beginning to show me HIS plan. Again, He hasn't revealed all of the pieces to me... but I am beginning to see.

God is good [ALL THE TIME]. He is faithful [ALL THE TIME]. Even though His plans are not always my plans, I know His plans are best. I know that many will be confused by this, and that's okay. Not everyone will understand, or even respect the decisions made here. I know many of you who have supported us will have questions, and that is okay too. Please email me. I may not be prepared to share all of the details with you though. For some, that may not be good enough. But know, I am placing my trust and have completely surrendered this to my Savior. I know that God still has some amazing plans in store for me and for Voices 4 the Voiceless.

Psalm 25:2

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

In fact, like I said above, "when one door closes, another door opens." God has opened a door and my eyes to something new. A direction in which I never intended, and too be honest, never thought of on my own. God is calling Richard and I both to Uganda! Although I struggled with this in the beginning, God has made it VERY CLEAR - THIS is where He wants us. I can't even explain the overwhelming feeling I have inside of me. The complete clarity I now feel. Something is right. You see, when we SEEK Him with all our hearts and align our hearts with His, His desires soon become our own desires.

Jeremiah 29:12-13

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

God has used me, He has brought me down, brought me to my knees and we have prayed for many weeks now about this. God is calling my family to travel to Uganda in March. Through Visiting Orphans - we will be traveling to Uganda for 9 days. Although I am scared, anxious and nervous - I am trusting Him. I know without a doubt in my mind that this is where God is calling us. And although we will not be taking a team on behalf of Voices 4 the Voiceless... God is taking my family. We're praying daily for God to use us, and for us to be used in such a way that only He is glorified! We pray for opportunities to be used, to be molded and for ways to get Voices 4 the Voiceless involved!

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your hear and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

So many of the details are still being worked out. But I can promise you - God is in the CENTER of this! For all of those who have purchased shirts through Voices 4 the Voiceless to support Project Congo - please know your money be prayed over and still go to support the orphan crisis. We will be praying as to where it is God has us give. Will you please pray for us? Will you pray that we can be used in such a way, that He will be glorified? Will you pray for Voices 4 the Voiceless & that people will see Him... and not our "failures" - instead, His will! Will you pray?

Thank you for your support! Lauren, thank you for sweet encouragement and long talks via email. The Lord has truly placed some incredible people in my life! I thank Him daily! Lord, I praise you even in the storms. I thank you for the down times. For the hard days, even those that seem desperate and unbearable. For I know, that you have a plan. I trust YOUR plan, and I will trust your path. Lord, please continue to guide us and continue to love on me - even when I do not listen or obey. I thank you for clarity you have given our family, and I pray we will be used for your glory! That people will see YOU in us, and that some may come to know you!

Until then... Brantley

Thankfulness

2011-10-21T04:48:00.000-07:00

This morning, I wake up thankful. As of lately, in order to get out of my funk (if you will), I have committed to being thankful for those things I have, and even more thankful for the little things I take for granted daily. You see, I have grown to learn that being "happy" and being thankful is a choice. We have a choice to get off our pity party and learn to be joyful and find happiness in life, even if all you can see are the small things. I will admit, just by doing this and DECIDING to be in a good mood and be thankful, I have in fact, been much more uplifted. I have been reminded of exactly how blessed I am, and even in those "down times", I have been reminded that I am growing if I allow God to use me during this time. :)

So... here is what I am thankful for today [in no particular order]

... thankful for my LOVING God, who holds me and cradles me when I feel useless, empty and alone.

... thankful for a roof over my head, food on our table, and heat/air that works.

... thankful for a husband who loves the Lord, and seeks Him daily. Even though he isn't perfect, he has truly been a blessing from the Lord in my life.

... thankful for this beautiful little girl that brightens my day, smiles constantly and reminds you how short life really is. She is a constant reminders that I should live with that child-like faith, and brush off the small stuff.

... thankful for my parents. They help us with Katherine Grace so much so that I can still work, and they have been supportive of us on the weekends when we have to photograph a wedding.

... thankful for the people with whom God has placed in my life for encouragement, wise counsel and a loving ear to listen to my ramblings.

... thankful for clarity during a trying time. For the love and completeness I feel when I seek a God so great! For understanding when I seek Him.

.... thankful for living in a place where I can worship freely.

... thankful for coffee. ;)

What are you thankful for? Still praying daily about some things, excited to see how God will use us.

Until then... Brantley

I will NEVER leave you

2011-10-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

I have been troubled these last several months, confused and torn. So much of me has this desire and passion to do more! More is a small word, yet something that has eaten at me for so long. Every day I see faces on the screen, a new face on a blog and hear words being described on paper from many. They break me [daily] and encourage me to do more. I have struggled to find what it is that more is. Many things have happened over the last few weeks - AWESOME things. Things I will wait to share with you, because we are still praying over them. I have a bad habit (because I am a "do-er" and because I am so motivated and ready to jump when said to jump) that I just go ahead and commit to things without first praying about them. Very bad habit. Just because things are good, doesn't mean I am supposed to be the one doing them. Some may disagree with me on that - but I firmly believe it.

I my moments of being down and in a dark place these last few months - God has began to reveal many things to me. While there, while struggling to understand the whys, the NOs even... I became bitter and upset. I became distant and alone. But since seeking to find my way out of this pit, this time of loneliness and confusion - God has began to grow me. I believe He puts us in the valley to do just that. Through scripture, I have been encouraged more.

Here is some of what I've learned.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will NEVER leave you, nor forsake you.

This passage has taught me to stand tall, to trust Him more - that He is with us even in those down times. He has already gone before me and He is with me, even when I feel all alone. One thing I have also learned, not just from this scripture - but from life - is that people are people. They WILL let you down and they will hurt you. God will NEVER leave me, nor "let me down". He is there today, tomorrow and for eternity. I must learn to put my trust in Him [always] and not people.

I tend to quickly show love towards others, pour my whole heart into the relationship and then get devastated when the friendship ends, something happens and/or they let me down. Unfortunately, my entire life as consisted of this. I am beginning to learn that I cannot always place my trust in people.

John 16:33

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart that I have overcome the world."

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

AMEN! We have life guys! We have been struck down... but NOT destroyed. This is a crazy world we live in, and one that many days has me down and sad to live in it. But when I live by the scripture and I hear His word... I am reminded that we must press on! We were not born into easy lives, although some days it may seem that way with all America offers us. I feel far too often the lavish things we have here are only distractions from God! Distractions from a relationship - a deep relationship with Him, our Savior! I praise Him for the hard days, I praise Him for the reminders. I praise Him because He is worthy of praise! I cannot wait to see what God is going to continue to show me.

Until then... Brantley

Love affair

2011-10-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

My heart has been longing for some time now. My heart has ached over and over for more. This past year I have been confused, hurt, lost, sad, happy, joyful, and utterly torn at where my place is in this world. I have been praying so hard and digging into the Word more and more these last few months. Seeking Him for HIS desires for me and our family. I feel His presence more and more, and feel something deep within me to DO more. I'm still praying at the specifics, but I am seeing so much come to light and He is daily revealing new things to me. I thank Him for His constant faithfulness!

I recently picked up Katie Davis' new book, Kisses from Katie and have been blown away by the words. Her heart is beautiful, and the fact that ALL of the glory is given to Him - well it blows me away more. I am in such awe at her relationship with the Lord and her willing desire to obey. I love that and she encouraged me to do the same! Praying for MORE. I cannot WAIT to see what God is going to show me next!

Until then... Brantley

Living Ahead

2011-10-13T04:18:00.000-07:00

My writings have been scarce lately, I know. I have been battling many emotions this past month or so, and have been seeking God more because of it. I praise Him for the valleys and I praise Him even more for the things He is revealing to me daily. I have been struggling with living ahead in life. Many months back, I wrote a post about a battle of perfection. Yes, its true, I will admit it. I struggle with perfection. Not perfection in the way I look or how I am perceived. Perfection with my life and the way it is lived out. I struggle daily to have everything perfectly planned out, money in the bank, everything all neat and organized. God has continually 'wrecked' my world (if you will) and reminded me this life is not all dandy and organized. Its not about me, its not about everything being all neat and planned out. Its about ME. I must seek Him daily, build a relationship with my God and my desires should be HIS desires.

With that... I have struggled to live my life ahead. Because I'm such a perfectionist in more ways than one, and because I tend to plan things out the way I do. I live ahead far too often. I tend to miss out on what is the present and instead living in the future. I think it all started when I began photographing weddings. Brides booking their big days nearly a year in advance, and me planning out the year ahead. I was somewhat forced to live ahead. But then that escalated into my personal life. I was determined I needed to plan my vacations VERY far in advance, finish my Christmas shopping as early as possible (which I'm already finished as I write), plan out birthday bashes months prior and begin preparing for the exciting holidays still to come. Not that these things are bad - they're not.

But.... I have found recently, that I am now missing out on what is in front of me. I'm too busy planning all of the exciting things we will do at Christmas as a family, and Katherine Grace's 1st birthday party - that I am currently missing out on all that life has to bring in this moment. I fear one day I will look back and regret living ahead and realize all that I missed out on. Its hard, I won't lie.

Because of my line of work - weddings rarely take place in the late winter months. Dec, Jan and Feb are the slowest times of year for us. So... because of that - I decided to learn to sit, relax and enjoy these months with my family, embrace the reasons for Christmas and why we celebrate this beautiful 'holiday'. Seek Him more daily, not just during these months and really seek the desires of HIS heart, and not my own. I am thankful for this down time and for the reminders to live in the present and not in the future. After all, God does not promise us tomorrow.

Lastly, I recently picked up Katie Davis' new book, Kisses from Katie.

Wow, talk about perspective and a heart that seeks after Him. Love that girl and love her willingness to obey. I want to be more like her. But not just like her, I want to be more like HIM. This book is so inspiring and encouraging. Definitely a must read! I can hardly put it down and found myself crawling out of bed this morning at the crack of dawn to dig in deep and read her words. I pray I will seek the Lord in such a way that He can use me in BIG ways!

Until then... Brantley

Pumpkins Galore!

2011-10-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

This month has been so hectic for us. My photography business has been booming with sessions, weddings and workshops and I have started to feel the heat (if you know what I mean). I have been a little overwhelmed. So, since we photographed a Friday wedding and had a bunch of sessions this past Saturday - we skipped church and headed to Hendersonville, NC on Sunday. We had an awesome time and really enjoyed spending some good ole quality time as a family. Not to mention, experiencing something new and exciting with Katherine Grace!

The pumpkin patch was swarming with people, the air was cool and crisp and our baby girl was loving it all! Here are some shots from our adventures. Enjoy!

Katherine Grace even picked out her own pumpkin! It was hilarious... she picked up the little one and hung on for dear life! It was hers! :) She kept rolling it around like it was a ball.

Here is a fun family pic! :)

We even went into the Apple Orchard and took some pics!

By the way... she's not fussing in this shot. She started this new thing where she shrivels up her nose and snorts! Its so funny, but in pictures, she appears to be fussy and/or upset.

Such a great time! I am loving this time of year and all of the exciting things that are coming up! Her first Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even her 1st birthday! All of the fun festivities still to come! So exciting!

Until then... Brantley

9 Months & in Denial

2011-10-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, this momma can NOT believe her baby girl is already 9 months old. She celebrated 9 months on Monday - so I know I'm behind on posting... but what a crazy week and month it has already been.

Here are some from her 9 month mini session.

She's so proud that she can move around and stand up with control. It cracks me up to watch her. She will go down in the squatting position and then pop back up! She giggles when she does! :)

Love my baby girl so much! Love her sweet and tender personality! She is so full of energy, and has so much love to give. I love her heart already. :) Praise Him for this sweet blessing in our lives!

9 Month Stats: [Monday, October 3, 2011]

Length: 28" Long 66.11%

Weight: 18.69 lbs 60.27%

Her pediatrician said she was a healthy, strong & growing little lady! She now has two teeth (bottom middle). She has a protein allergy that is in cow's milk. (not to be confused with lactose allergy) She is still on Nutramigen... ugh... so expensive, but thankful for it! Doctor said she could possibly grow out of it, but in many cases, may not. Only time will tell. Other than that, everything is great and we're loving every minute! We recently bought a zoo membership and have been enjoying this beautiful weather outdoors! She loves to play, swing and ride in her "car" outside. She took her first steps to me last week and has since taken a few steps to me a couple times each day. It won't be long before she's running around. :)

Hope everyone is having a blessed week!

Until then... Brantley

Still here.

2011-09-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! We've gotten some emails asking if we're still alive! Yep... we're here. Sorry we have been slacking at our blog lately. Too be honest, so has the Voices 4 the Voiceless, our photography blog and this one. They've all taken a little hit these past few weeks. I am starting to feeling perky and myself again... thankfully I am slowly getting out of my funk. God has really been revealing some things to me and I can feel His presence more and more. Praising Him for so many beautiful reminders. :)

And this little lady has been keeping me on my toes too! Today, we spent the afternoon at the zoo [again] and she loved it! We decided to purchase the yearly membership, and now we can go more regularly! Looking forward to my little day trips with Katherine Grace this Fall! Lastly, here are some of my munchkin from Monday! 38 weeks... can you believe it!!!

Can you see that little tooth? Yep... and in less than a week... the one next to it has now popped through.

Her hair has started to get some curl in it too! Its so beautiful! When she first gets out of the tub... it is tight curls. But soon after we comb it, its more wavy than curly. But during the day, it flips out a little. Too cute!

We're having a blast and I'm trying so hard to soak in EVERY minute with her! Thankfully, I decided not to accept any weddings during the month of November and December. This means I can enjoy time with my baby girl and enjoy all of the festivities these next couple of months!

Until then.... Brantley

Orchard Leaves, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin - Oh My!

2011-09-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

Oh yes... Fall is in the air! Since my last few posts have been on the depressing side... I thought I might bring back a more positive post for your Thursday!

Orchard Leaves, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin and Caramel Apples are the oh so yummy scents in my house! I stocked up on the fall scents at Bath & Body Works this past week! I sometimes find myself walking past the bathroom and running in quickly just to wash my hands. They smell sooo good... I want the scent to linger on! :) They also make the mini hand sanitizers in those scents... I'm thinking one of those would be great to have in my purse or even diaper bag! :)

We also have been bringing out the fall clothing! Although today is pretty warm... it has been nice and cool. So... since its technically fall in my book... I say its okay to wear fall clothing from here on out! :)

Here is my little munchkin at 8 1/2 months old... oh my!

Yep... she's standing... on her own! My baby girl growing up... WAY too fast! And to top it all off... she can walk perfectly fine holding my hands. It won't be long. I'm predicting this girl will be running around our house before 10 months... if not sooner.

Occasionally, THIS will happen. But she is determined she will not allow herself to fall.

So.... she regains her balance. There you have it... my baby girl growing up before my eyes.

And one quick one with momma!

I love her so much and praise God for this beautiful blessing in my life.

Until then.... Brantley

The post I've dreaded...

2011-09-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

My heart is crumbled into a million pieces right now. After so much prayer, so much clarity, and so much perseverance & passion... we started planning our 1st trip to the DR Congo. I was excited and pumped knowing we'd be traveling in March. Unfortunately though, a LOT has changed within the last week.

Let me first start by saying... any of you who have donated to our trip through a portrait session or just monetary donation and would like it back - I won't be offended in ANY way. Let me also say, the trip is NOT cancelled, it is simply going to be rescheduled. Therefore, any session purchased on behalf of our trip fundraiser, or donation received... will still go to pay for mine & Richard's trip to the Congo. At this time, we are just not 100% sure when that trip will be.

Now... back to the news. The reason the trip is being rescheduled is because of quite a few details that are out of our hands. Unfortunately, I took a leap a little too fast. Me, being quite motivated and some days a little too passionate... I felt we could take on and tackle everything we needed to in the short amount of time given. Unfortunately, I was wrong. [insert pride] I won't lie, this is sooooooo very hard to even have to announce this. So many have been incredibly supportive, many prayers prayed, and so many have donated to us personally - to get us there. We are still so VERY appreciate to all of you.

We ask that you continue to pray for us. We WILL be going to Democratic Republic of Congo... it may not be until Fall of 2012 though. We will just have to play our cards right and make sure we have everything properly lined up next time.

Again... please do not give up on us. God has given us a HUGE task to take on and we still have a long way to go. Will continue to support Voices 4 the Voiceless as we work hard to get this orphanage up and built? Cookies 4 Congo... its almost that time and this is a HUGE way to get involved and help us reach that goal! We CAN do it.... we CAN!

Cookies 4 Congo starts in 2 weeks! Will you help us spread the word?

Until then... Brantley

Court Day - in Pictures

2011-09-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

Finally I have a moment to share with you our court experience! Wow... what a crazy emotional, exciting day it was. As most of you remember, our court day was held August 26th! It was wonderful and our families were there to share in the excitement! And as you all know by now... we don't experience anything without a camera to capture it all! Thankfully we had some new friends come out and capture our day for us. Thank you Landon and Jordan! You guys rock!

Enjoy!

Court is now in session!

The star of the show won over the hearts of not only us... but the judge and the bailiffs.

I know we should have taken this day seriously... but when we both got on the stand (for the formalities)... we couldn't help but giggle.

Us with our families.

Yay for a great day! Thanks for reading!

Until then... Brantley

2011-09-15T04:47:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! First of all, thank you for the sweet comments & all of the wonderful & encouraging emails last night! [per yesterday's post]. I really needed the encouragement and your words lifted me up. Thank you!

Also, per a reader's suggestion... Voices 4 the Voiceless is now on TWITTER!

Yes mam... that is correct! I won't lie, I have no clue how to use us. So, if any of you are Twitter fans out there, please become a v4vprojectcongo follower! [none of the names I tried to use were available] I would greatly appreciate your support on there! So, go on there and TWEET about Voices 4 the Voiceless... PLEASE! :)

Ways to help spread the word and show the love....

Tweet: Cookies 4 Congo

Tweet: Voices 4 the Voiceless

Tweet: One of our latest posts

Tweet: our V4V blog or website

You know the drill. Spreading the love is appreciated! Thanks everyone!

Until then... Brantley

Can I get a little love?

2011-09-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

This momma is feeling pooped, discouraged and down right drained [in every way imaginable]. Where do I even begin... without sounding utterly pathetic. I've been on a soapbox kick for quite some time... I won't lie. I won't sugar coat it either... I've been a little depressed. You all know the saying... when it rains it pours... yeah, you've all heard it. Well my life has been that... over and over and over again lately. It has rained, poured and even stormed. When I feel things start looking up... I get yet another thunderstorm. Today, I sit alone [yes alone] in my house [and oh how it feels wonderful]. Richard went to grab some dinner and took Katherine Grace with him so I could catch a break.

I sit here in the quiet... asking myself... when does this get better? The truth is... it might not. Maybe this is where God has me. Maybe not. But today, I sit here sad. I sit here confused. My life is wonderful, even picture perfect from the outside [although most lives are]. People reading this post might not understand what they're hearing. And that is fine. From the outside, my life does look all put together. Perfectly organized, all tidy and neat, the happy little family of 3. And you know what, some days it really is that way. Honestly... almost ALL days it is that way for Katherine Grace. She really is the happiest babies EVER! I won't lie there!

Every time I get excited and feel like I'm doing what God has me to do, all of a sudden life throws a punch at me and stops me in my tracks. Suddenly I feel like I do this evening - confused.

Confused at the direction my life is going, confused at where I'm supposed to be, confused at what I'm supposed to be doing! You see, I have these BIG dreams! And let me tell you... I KNOW HOW TO DREAM BIG. And in some parts of my life... I HAVE LIVED OUT THOSE BIG DREAMS!

I managed to create a successful business. A thriving business that most would dream of having. I managed to get a pretty amazing studio space. I managed to get the man I dreamed of! The baby I never imagined I would ever have. And yet... here I sit... confused, sad and lonely. Yes, all three. It might sound selfish to some, that a gal could have it all... yet still be so discontent.

I guess its true. But I firmly believe God didn't call me to success. At least not this way. I was built to serve. I was created to love on others, to give. And I don't feel like I am living that out. Or at least not the way I picture it. And you know what... maybe the way I picture it isn't the way God pictures it.

The world is constantly telling me one thing... but my heart is telling me the exact opposite. The world tells me to continue working hard, endless days and continue with that "successful business". But my heart tells me there is more. I hear, I think, I dream, I SEE that there MUST be more.

I also know this is NOT my home. I know this isn't where it ends. And because of that, so much of my life is simply... discontent. Yes, I know I am supposed to be happy and make do with what I have. And when it comes to my little family of 3... I am soooo happy! I adore my husband and my oh so happy 8 month old. I would walk on fire to be with them! I love them!

The song that has been ringing in my ear daily... is by Laura Story.

It gives me so much comfort. It reminds me constantly that this is NOT our home. That there is so much for us one day when we get to Heaven! And I know without a doubt in my heart where I will be when He is ready for me. He has blessed me beyond anything. Yet, I'm still so empty feeling. I have so much to give, I heart and passion and drive in me! Lord, use me! Where do you have me? Where do you want me? What do you have me doing? I will go, I will do, I will serve gladly for you!

I know He is near... maybe I'm not feeling it because I'm being still. I'm not seeking Him like I should.

Sorry for pouring myself out a little too much. My heart is just so full. I needed to let that out. I could really use some encouragement this evening! Anything you got... throw it at me. :)

I know this post is forever long... so I'm sorry. Many of you didn't read it through, or maybe just skimmed through & got to the end. Thats okay. Maybe this is just therapy for me... writing it all down. But thank you to those that did read my thoughts, emotions and feelings. I'm struggling and just need a little love. So, thanks!

Until then... Brantley

V4V Project - Cookies 4 Congo

2011-09-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

Will you help us spread the word! Voices 4 the Voiceless is proud to announce our newest fundraiser! We hope this will be BIG and we pray you will ALL join with us to help spread the word! :)

How YOU can help!

1] Grab our button by placing it on your blog! This is an easy tool to help spread the word!

2] Get involved! Make some cookies, and have a cookies sale! Sell them at work, at church, in your small group or Sunday school class - anywhere you want! Let your kids get involved and allow them to help and learn about giving!

3] Donate! All of the proceeds [100%] will go directly towards Project Congo! We will use the money to help rebuild the orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo! This is HUGE! Will you help?

Many have asked how they can get involved... even those as far as California! Well... you asked, and here is your chance to serve! We need your help... THEY need your help!

Will you be a voice? Go HERE for more details!

Until then... Brantley

1st Trip to the Zoo!

2011-09-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

My baby girl experienced her first trip to the zoo on Sunday! We skipped church Sunday morning because we were both in tears watching all of the 9/11 dedications and memorials. I couldn't rip myself away from the screen long enough to shower in time for church. Yeah yeah... its okay to miss a Sunday every now and then. :) So... when we finally decided to get out of the house... we figured we'd make the most of our Sunday and take Katherine Grace to experience something new!

So... the Zoo it was! Here are some favorites from our day!

It was such a pretty day and we all had so much fun! We weren't sure if Katherine Grace would have fun at this age... but oh did she ever!

They have a new exhibit where you can walk through with the kangaroos. I thought that was neat to be able to be in with them and get up close (sort of up close anyway).

Couldn't resist when I saw the owl! After all... that is her nursery theme! :) Isn't it so mysterious and pretty looking?!

The zoo welcomed a baby giraffe this summer. It was soooo cute! And... we made it just in time for feeding! This was our favorite part.

Katherine Grace on the other hand... hmmm... she wasn't scared... but she gave the funniest looks when the giraffe would come close. She couldn't figure it out!

Can't say that I blame her... if I was 8 months old and saw that tongue sticking out at me... I might think... weirdo too!! haha

Cute.

He even got a little nibble on her hand. :)

Personally... I was fascinated watching the elephant drink water. :)

And even this... that bear caught several of (whatever it was she was throwing)! This was fun!

Blooper shot! :)

Well... that was our day! A whole lot of fun and excitement! I LOVED spending the day with my family and experiencing something new with Katherine Grace!

Until then.. Brantley

The day I'll NEVER forget....

2011-09-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

Oh how I will NEVER forget September 11, 2001. It was my senior year in high school... only a few months from turning 18 years old. I remember the day like it was yesterday as I watch the tv screen replay that sad sad day over and over again. I'm in tears... even 10 years later as they replay the visions that were a reality for our country. As I watch the planes hit the building... I have to constantly remind myself that this was REAL... this in fact was not a movie or a scene on the screen... this was REAL life in NY. I am amazed at the devastation that terrorists could create in a matter of minutes. The lives that would soon be affected in so many ways by pure hate from these people. How? How on God's beautiful green earth could anyone posses this much hatred to KILL so many innocent lives? "How?", I ask myself over and over again!

I am speechless this morning as I sit in quiet watching the screen of the families victims talk about the loved ones they lost. And now having to live in constant fear and terror of the thought of how their loved one passed away. Oh how it breaks my heart each and every time I watch.

I remember that day, Tuesday, September 11, 2001... I was walking across the breezeway from one building to another going to my graphic design class in my senior year. Oh my... I remember so many were hurrying down the breezeway towards me in a frantic! I couldn't tell why everyone was in such a hurry. All of a sudden my friend, Cindy, came towards me... she said, "oh my gosh Brantley, my dad is there!!!" I said, "What are you talking about?" She said, "You mean you didn't hear?" I said, "no, what happened?" She went on to tell me a plane hit one of the twin towers! She said her dad was on a flight headed that way and she knew her dad had to be on that plane!!! I about fell to the floor!

So, I hurried to my class where everyone was standing in utter silence as they gazed at the screen. My teacher said in the quietest voice... this my friends is history in the making. Never forget this day. You are apart of history TODAY. I never fully understood that until just moments later... the second plane hit as we all watched. Oh my word... is this really happening?!! We all realized, without it being said... this is terrorism in the making!

The next day we found out my friend's dad was safe and thankfully he was not on any of the flights that were in danger. Praise the Lord! But that day... so many others lost their loved one in a horrible day that NO ONE will EVER FORGET! No one!

Do you remember that day? Where were you when history was being made?

Please pray for the families that have to live with this nightmare daily. Pray for the people that risked their lives to save others - only to die in the process. Pray for all those involved - the military, the fire fighters, the rescue teams, the volunteers, the police, and those that are never mentioned. Pray for them.

Until then.... Brantley

What's that I see???

2011-09-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well you might have noticed a little hour glass on my blog. Yep... we're fundraising again... but not to bring a baby home [at least not quite yet]. That hour glass is there to keep up with fundraising efforts because we're going to the Democratic Republic of Congo in March! Yipee! I am ecstatic! Not just because we're going, but because of all that God has done to get us this far! He has truly blessed our new ministry/organization, Voices 4 the Voiceless! So many have reached out, asked how they can help - and been such a huge encouragement for us!

This is all so new... but it is so exciting!

So... what are the details... well... Richard and I are leading a small team in March. We plan to leave Saturday, March 3rd and arrive back home on Sunday, March 11th. Its going to cost each person approximately $3,000 to go. We were able to build our savings account back up and have enough for one of us to go. But... we still need help coming up with my half. So... we need to raise $3,000 ! God is good and He is faithful! I trust that He got us this far... He can get us the rest of the way!

We will be visiting the orphanage site there in Kinshasa. Hopefully the building phase will be started by then. We will also be visiting the other government run orphanages in the city. This will help put into perspective exactly why we're doing what we're doing. Seeing the conditions, the lack there of and the needs... We hope to come back with more open hearts and a better picture of what is really going on in this country so desperate for help!

Will you help me get to the Congo? We need your help and we appreciate your support and prayers and we prepare our hearts for this trip! Thank you so much!

Also... if you're interested in purchasing a shirt... go HERE. All of the profits will go 100% to Project Congo! We need your help to build this orphanage and to give 70 orphans a roof over their head, food on the table and an education! Thank you to all who have already purchased one! We're forever grateful to each of you!!!

Until then... Brantley

Wow!

2011-09-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

First thing... BIG thank you to Rachel for FEATURING Voices 4 the Voiceless on your blog! That was so super nice of you and we're so grateful to each and every person who help us spread the word about Project Congo! :)

Secondly... WOW! I'm truly speechless today! After a series of events... one in particular stood out to me more than anything! Most of you, if not all of you have read the recent blog post that has been floating around cyberspace today. If not... check it out HERE.

Although we have not had the pleasure of adopting internationally [yet]... we have adopted. And although there are quite a few things that are different among international adoptions and domestic... there are more similarities than most would thing. Probably the biggest thing I hear from others who have adopted internationally is the connection. Although we have bonded well with Katherine Grace... there have still been MANY obstacles we have faced since bringing her home. We have worked REALLY hard to grow a bond, connection if you will, and develop a relationship with this growing beauty.

Anyway... what triggered the post for me more than anything was when she mentioned the hype! After it is all said and done... the "hype" if you will is over and people move on with their lives... here you are... still in your life... and sorting through it all alone. As much as we felt support through many... I cannot begin to tell you the lonliness I felt after bringing home Katherine Grace. The phone calls I didn't receive, the food that was no longer brought over and just the feelings of no one seeming to care anymore.

The hype was gone. The feelings of lonliness were not. My BIGGEST encouragement after all of that was exactly what she said in her post! Get off your tush... call up a friend who had their baby months ago... take food to someone just because, love on your friends! Don't forget that many of us [even those who haven't adopted] experience life changes daily. Some are hard, some are depressing and even lonely. Don't forget about them. Lets all remember to love on one another. Just because so many of us seem to have it altogether... many of us behind closed doors - well, we don't!

So... lets lean on one another, love on one another and do a little something nice for someone else! You never know when they might need it! You never know when your friend [who seems to busy], might actually be lonely, or maybe even going through a hard time. You never know when that co-worker is struggling at home, or behind closed doors - lend a hand, show some love and do a little something to make someone's day!

That's all I've got. I know that wasn't all in her post... but that was one of the main things that hit me hard! LOVE ONE ANOTHER GUYS!

Until then... Brantley

Oh my!!! 8 Months old??

2011-09-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

Yes... although its hard to believe for this momma [who apparently is in denial]... my baby girl is 8 months old today. I feel like it was just yesterday that we brought our [little] bundle of joy home! And now... well she is a happy, on the move, sweet little girl. Oh how I miss my baby... but I'm LOVING her sweet sweet personality! Here are some shots we took of her this morning in her Gamecock attire!

If she's not the cutest little thing... well, I don't know what is! :)

Oh how I LOVE her little personality! She cracks me up!

This girl LOVES her da da! And check out those rolls!

Sweet baby girl! disclaimer: Richard was standing behind her and no babies were left unattended during the making of this shot! ;)

Happy Labor Day Weekend everyone! I hope you are all able to enjoy this long weekend family & friends!

Until then... Brantley

CREATED for CARE!!!!!!

2011-09-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

Oh wow Oh wow! Cannot wait for January!

I am super duper excited to be going to this year's Created for Care Retreat! I signed up for last year's retreat... but got the call soon after that we had a baby! :) Great joy in bringing home my first child... but was a little sad that I had to sell my spot to the retreat. So... this year... I am there!

I cannot wait to meet so many of my bloggin' friends and even those whom I've grown to know on a deeper, spiritual level! God has been good and blessed me with an incredible group of women! I cannot wait to meet each and every one of you!

Leave a comment if you'll be there! Looking forward to a an amazing time with other adoptive mommas and mommas-to-be!

Until then... Brantley

T-Shirts!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Yay... so this momma is super excited today! Our Voices 4 the Voiceless t-shirts came in and they look FABULOUS! :) Cannot wait for you to see them in person! So... if you ordered a shirt... you should be getting yours in the mail within the next couple of days.

Wanna see a sneak peek?

We've had some people ask how the sizes run. Most of you can tell how I am "built"... so the shirt size I am wearing in this picture is a size small. Keep in mind... as most shirts do... they might shrink a little. But mine feels pretty comfy -with still a little room for shrinking. :) I LOVE them!

And this would be my little helper! :) Katherine Grace decided she wanted to help package them up! So... if you get your package & it has a little drool on it... I'm sorry! ;)

Also... we have the following currently in stock and would LOVE to sell each and every one of them!!!

Blue - [3 Smalls] [2 Mediums] [1 Large]
Gray - [2 Smalls] [5 Mediums] [5 Larges]

Thank you again 'Oh So' much for your prayers and support! God is so good!

Until then... Brantley

E-Course Giveaway WINNER!!!

2011-08-30T04:58:00.000-07:00

Okay... so I'm sorry for not announcing this yesterday! I had a crazy day and spent most of it out of town.

So... are you ready for this? Drum roll everyone.......

The winner is NATASHA!!!

You know who you are... although I have no way of contacting you. So... if you'll please email me at [richardandbrantley@yahoo.com] - I will email you the directions on getting you E-book! :)

Also... if you didn't win this giveaway... this is for a GREAT cause and this momma wants so badly to bring her baby girl home. Won't you consider helping a girl out?! Hop on over to the Braniff's blog and purchase one for a low low price of $25!!! Yes, you read right... $25! And let me tell you... it is WORTH every little penny!

Until then... Brantley

A little of this & that!

2011-08-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

So much to share... but mainly just a little of this and that. I cannot wait to share with you about our court date and even some pics from that SPECIAL day! :) It was such an exciting day and we had an oh so sweet photographer come out and graciously photograph the event for us! Ahh... cannot wait to get them to share an entire post of the experience!

But for now... my baby girl is 34 weeks old and I'm going nuts thinking of where the time has gone! Its crazy!

Here are some fun pics we snapped of her! We found her owl hat she wore as a newborn! Funny thing is... it fits better now than it did nearly 8 months ago! I thought these were fun!

AND... some other exciting news... I came home today from a fun day out of town with family to THIS in my mailbox...

Super excited... because this means we're prepared for when the times comes to go to the Congo!

AND... if that wasn't enough... I made dinner [again] tonight! Let me just say... we have a HORRIBLE habit of eating out, because lets face it... I can't cook. But... my friend Leigh has this amazing recipe blog that has inspired me and for the 5th night in a row... I have cooked dinner!

Last night I made the Hot Orzo Chicken Pasta Salad (which was AMAZING!!) & tonight we had the Creamy Tortellini! It was equally as yummy (although not as healthy).

I believe that covers it all for today! Check back soon for pics and details on our court date!

Until then... Brantley

Why tomorrow is so special...

2011-08-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

Many of you know already, but tomorrow is our court date. Tomorrow is not special because of the court date itself... it is special because tomorrow marks the final "process" of this beautiful journey we have been on. It marks the FINAL day of our adoption. And she become OFFICIALLY ours. [although she technically has been ours all along] You get it though... right?

It means that from the day we walked into that hospital to get our baby girl..

.... that when we drove off in the car with her...

.... that when we took her picture for her announcement....

... AND all of the memories we have made since those first days

... that we're reminded of how incredibly BLESSED we are! Tomorrow is more than just a court date or formality... it marks the last phase of our adoption journey... and it marks a new chapter of our lives!

God has been so good! He continues to show me so much and open my eyes to even more! I praise Him, because He is WORTHY of my praise! I lift my hands in worship, because He is good and He is faithful. I thank you Lord for the MANY blessings you have given! I thank you for this beautiful gift... YOU have given us. That is why tomorrow is so special to us.

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you a my profit to the nations."

Jeremiah 1:5

Until then... Brantley

Don't miss out!

2011-08-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

A few reminders!

#1 - DON'T miss out on the chance to win an awesome E-Book from Angela Braniff! (fellow adoptive momma & photographer) She's got some amazing tips, guide to technique and just altogether AWESOME book on how to take better pics! See two posts back for that giveaway! Deadline to enter is Monday!!!

OR... if you just wanna help them out... they NEED to sell 28 more E-Books to pay for the next part of their adoption fees! Come on people... help her out! We all know each of us have been helped out throughout our own adoptions! At just $25 for a book... you can't beat that!

#2 - Our final court date is on Friday! Can this really be! Say a little prayer for us... we're so super duper excited! :)

#3 - Last, but not least.... our Voices 4 the Voiceless t-shirts are still available! We would LOVE to have your support with this amazing fundraiser! The money from the t-shirts will go towards Project Congo! With your help... we can give these children who are left fending for themselves on the streets of Kinshasa a safe place to sleep, food on the table and a way to go to school! We're building an orphanage that can house 70 orphans! That can make a HUGE difference in the lives of these children! All of this with your help of a t-shirt for $20! :) Will you be a VOICE?

Huge thank you for all of your prayers... support and even financial donations! They're greatly appreciated!

Until then... Brantley

In need of a LAUGH?

2011-08-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

Well... my baby girl is usually pretty good at making us laugh... so maybe this little clip will make you too! Or maybe even just a smile to your face! Either way, ENJOY!

Also... don't forget to sign up for the awesome GIVEAWAY! Deadline to enter is Monday! Don't wait! Or, if you wanna help out the Braniff's... just go their blog and order one for just $25!

Until then... Brantley

Monday AND a GIVEAWAY!!!!

2011-08-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, you read right! Its Monday and we all know how drab Mondays can be... so why not have a giveaway and make it a little brighter! Well... most of you know I am a photographer by day (amongst many things... a mom, a wife and now a founder to an organization). Some days my husband thinks I'm crazy! But... the meaning for this post...

A GIVEAWAY!!!

My friend, Angela is also a photographer. She is a children's portrait photographer to be more specific. She is also a momma adopting from Africa... the Congo to be specific! :) Well... she has created this WAY TOO AWESOME FOR WORDS E-Book! Let me just say... from a photographer's opinion... this is a steal!! Seriously... for $25... you can purchase this "how to" E-Book on photography! BUT.... we're also GIVING one away!

Wanna know how you can WIN one? Yeah, I thought you might like to know!

Do the following and let us know that you have done each of these things by leaving a comment under this post! (for each thing done)

1] Become a "follower" of our Voices 4 the Voiceless Blog. (current "followers" count)

2] Become a FAN or "Like" Voices 4 the Voiceless on facebook. (current "fans" count)

3] Become a "follower" of Angela's Blog. (current "followers" count)

4] Share a link to Voices 4 the Voiceless Website on your fb page, or blog. Let them know about our t-shirts and fundraisers we're doing to support Project Congo!

Deadline to ENTER is Monday, August 29th!

And that my friends is ALL you have to do to ENTER to win this incredible E-Book! Seriously, this is an amazing guide to helping you take better pictures for facebook, your blog and even just of your kiddos!

Not to mention... you can help a gal bring home their baby girl from the Congo! Come on... what are you waiting for????

Until then... Brantley

33 Weeks & Updates!

2011-08-22T05:49:00.000-07:00

Wow.... this FRIDAY is our court date to make Katherine Grace "officially" ours according to our state! How crazy is this. She feels like mine... in fact, most days I feel as though we birthed her (even though I know that isn't really the case). I'm just so excited! God has been amazing throughout this journey and the day is finally almost here! :) I'm even more excited because Richard took the day off work, and both our parents will be there to celebrate with us! We're all going to go out to lunch afterwards and enjoy the day!

For now... here is her 33 Week pic! Oh how my baby girl is growing up!

And for Voices 4 the Voiceless... don't forget to order your t-shirt! They've been a big hit and we are so grateful to all of you who have already placed orders! The money will go to support PROJECT CONGO! Thank you again!

Until then... Brantley

Week in Review

2011-08-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... is it really Friday??? I'm so excited for yet another weekend off to enjoy with my family! We have lots planned for the weekend - but I won't bore you with the details. I will share with you some pics from this week though! Many more where these came from... but I have a little one ALL over the place that I must entertain! :) Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Can you find me???

Also... for those of you who asked about larger sizes for the V4V t-shirts... we can get larger sizes! In the shop we have listed sizes small, medium, large and x-large. We can definitely get larger sizes if needed! So, send us an email through the contact section of our website if you're in need of a larger size!

Until then... Brantley

V4V T-Shirt Fundraiser!

2011-08-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Wanted to share some exciting news! We have placed our first order for T-Shirts and are SUPER excited about them! We hope to add many more varieties to the "collection" soon... but for now... we have one design in two colors!

They're $20 each and the funds will go towards the Mam `Ekoko Orphanage in the DR Congo!

In turquoise/blue color -

In Gray!

You can order these through our shop by clicking HERE!

We also have a link via our V4V website & blog! Thank you so much for your support!

Until then... Brantley

PLEASE HELP!

2011-08-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

Oh my! My heart has dropped and I don't know what to say! Is this really possible? How can this really be? Surely this is a joke. Nope... in fact, this is the reality and I am ticked! I cannot believe this!

Adeye put it in the best words. Please READ HERE and consider donating to help this precious child! Oh Lord, if its your will... please give this child a forever home!

At 11 years old... this face almost makes me cringe. I know this sounds so harsh, but its true. Its almost unbearable to look at. It makes me so sad. To think she is still fighting... oh praise God!

Please head on over to Adeye's blog and read more about how you can help! This IS OUR JOB, this is our duty as believer's in Christ to love others as WE WOULD LOVE OURSELVES!

Until then... Brantley

the BIG news!

2011-08-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am on this Monday morning writing this post that I have been so anxiously awaiting to announce! I cannot believe today is finally here. I'm honestly speechless! I don't know what to say. God is marvelous and He is good. He is so incredibly faithful and has the most beautiful ways of showing His presence! I cannot begin to tell you how humbled I feel this morning! Knowing that He has chosen me to take on something like this! Why me? I continue to ask myself that over and over again. But He has and I pray I can be His hands and feet on this journey we're about to embark!

A little back story... and please read before continuing down the page.

It all began MONTHS ago. My heart aching for MORE. I have prayed for so long for purpose. "Lord, what is your purpose for this life?" It wasn't until the face of Teri Lynn came onto my screen that it all became clear to me. I know you all know who I'm talking about - as she has been in so many of my posts lately. I will never forget that precious face! So much confusion came from that face! Why her? Why would this happen to children? How can this be? Who will reach out and save her? Why not me?

The questions continued and and I was broken! My heart was totally broken for this child! Why NOT me I cried nightly? God made it clear that we were not her parents. I could not understand why! Why on earth would you not have me to adopt this child if we were so willing? Why not Lord?

Because He had other things in store! In the broad picture... if only I could see just a little farther down the road... He had so much more! He wanted me broken so that I could SEE the whole picture! So that I could SEE where He has me. After many months of prayer, seeking His will.... He has finally made it CLEAR!

The Lord introduced me to a special person just a few shorts months ago. Her name is Angela Braniff and you probably remember reading about her here on this blog. After a facebook encounter... we soon became friends in such a BIG way! I now know that the Lord brought us together for a reason! We would soon meet and realize our deep passions for orphans and our desires to make a difference in this world! To be a VOICE for these children! Teri Lynn did not have a voice... it was our job to be the voice for her! If not us... then who???

And that my friends is where Voices 4 the Voiceless became born! God placed these two people in my life for a reason! He showed me this face, this human being, this life of this precious child of God - Teri Lynn. She had a name, a heart... and someone must speak up for these children! God used her life to touch me, to show me EXACTLY where He wanted me. And now, together, Angela and myself have started this non-profit organization to do just that! To be the VOICE for those ALL AROUND THE WORLD! To stand up for them and tell the world their needs, to be His hands & feet, and to be advocate for the many orphans all over the world!

Lord... you are BIGGER than I am! You are far more powerful and majestic than me... how on earth are we supposed to make a difference in this world? So many doors closed as we sought the help from so many. But every time a door closed, he opened another! And boy oh boy... the doors he opened were far greater than the ones that closed! The last several weeks have been trying and at times, we have felt hopeless. But God continued to tug and He continued to show us through some pretty powerful reminders that THROUGH Him... anything was possible! We have met some pretty incredible people, and have partnered with some open hearts who so greatly desire to help! Thank you Lord! Thank you for your endless faithfulness! You are mighty and WORTHY of praise!

Thank you for entrusting us on this incredible journey of a lifetime!

To read more about this journey He has called us on...

Website: Voices 4 the Voiceless, Inc

Blog: Voices 4 the Voiceless Blog

I want to personally thank you a few people for their generosity & help over the last several weeks to get our website, logo, etc set up! You have no idea how grateful we are to each of you!

Erica Anne with The Summer House - For graciously committing to designing our logo for us. You took this project on during a busy time, and did not charge us a cent. For her time and talents as she worked so hard with us to come up with something so perfect & fitting! Thank you for the bottom of our hearts! We're so grateful to you and HIGHLY recommend your work!

To Jeremy Riddle and his wife, Nicole for graciously allowing us to use your music on our website! We are touched by the words in your music and thank you for supporting us on this journey!

To Lauren Casper & Leigh Ladd for sharing your images with us to use on our website. And also to Lauren for also creating our blog button. You're a doll and we thank you!

And of course to everyone who have so anxiously awaited this news & despite not knowing anything (including my parents, yes, I know... I'm sorry!), supported and prayed for us daily! Thank you simply just isn't enough!

If you'd like to donate towards one of our projects, you can do so via the PayPal button on our blog, or by sending donations to:

Voices 4 the Voiceless, Inc

P.O. Box 1149

Columbia, SC 29202

Also, we're going to be creating new projects as time goes along. We will also be working on local projects through the US. If you have any ideas, or something you'd like us to partner with you on... please send us an email and so we can consider it! Thanks!

Lord, thank you for breaking my heart, for what breaks yours! My daily prayer to do, to continue breaking my heart for the things that break yours!

So, I leave you with this... Will you be a VOICE?

Until then... Brantley

Oh how I miss you dearly....

2011-08-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

Today marks the anniversary of my Granddaddy Herman's death. And oh how he was loved, and still is. I'll never forget this day, as I was out with my friend celebrating her sweet sixteenth birthday! We were all so excited and her mom rented a limo and we went around town [to Sonic and such] thinking we were oh so cool! Oh to look back now and laugh at my silly self. I came home from what was an exciting day for me... to my parents sitting quietly on the couch. My mom, quietly told me the news. I stayed calm but inside cringed and tried so hard to hold back the tears. I did. At least until I cried myself to sleep in my room.

To this day, I have never experienced death that hit me the way it did that day. I have been fortunate to have my family still close to me. I don't like talking about death and to this day, still have a hard time coping with it. However, I find so much joy and peace knowing He went to be with Jesus. I miss him dearly here on earth, but I love knowing He served our God daily, and set such a wonderful example of what a leader is supposed to look like. He lived such a godly example and I am happy to have known him.

This is one of my favorite images with him. I only wish I had a good image when I was older. He passed away when I was in the tenth grade.

There are so many memories I have with him. When my dad went through his cancer treatments (I was around 6 years old)... we practically lived with my grandparents. I have so many fun times to look back on and treasure. I miss you grandaddy and wish so badly you could still be here... but that would be so selfish of me... because you're in such a better place! If anything, I should wish I was there with you!

I love you and I cannot wait for the day we "meet" again!

Until then... Brantley

31 Weeks & Late...

2011-08-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

Things have been quite crazy around here lately. I had a terrible sinus infection last week, my husband ended up with one this week and still isn't feeling well. And if that wasn't bad enough... my baby girl ended up with horrible congestion this week as well! You'd think sinus infections were contagious the way its going around here!

Anyway, after all of us trying to take it easy... yet take care of so many important things this week... I've neglected the blog. Actually... the blog has been neglected a LOT lately. Sorry!

But... here is her 31 Week pic from Monday that I forgot to post. She's a little under the weather with a runny nose and red, watery eyes... but still cute as can be!

I am excited to have a weekend off! We plan to catch up on some rest, hopefully by enjoying some afternoon naps! Also, tons of house work to do and just spending some quality time with my sweet little family! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! The BIG announcement to come on Monday - so be sure to check back then! :)

Until then... Brantley

Music - Shane & Shane

2011-08-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

Sigh, this video makes me tear up. Mainly because my baby girl is only 7 months old... but this past 7 months has flown by and I know it won't be long before she's the girl "all grown up" in the video. Treasuring every moment we have... and praying she will grow into a beautiful woman of God! One who seeks after Him. I pray that we can set a an example of what that means!

Until then... Brantley

7 Months

2011-08-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

7 Months Old? Can this really be true?????

We ran outside for a SUPER quick mini session with Katherine Grace! This heat & humidity is just too much!

Yep... that's my baby girl! She's into EVERYTHING, but still just as happy as before! Plus... she cut her first tooth on Monday! Baby girl, you're truly the biggest blessing from the Lord.

Until then... Brantley

Are we measuring the size of the giant, or God?

2011-08-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

I have struggled with what to put into words for several weeks now. Struggling what to put in this post... writing it, then deleting it NUMEROUS times now. I want to get my words right, but really stress what it is I'm trying to say. Some will take this post completely out of context, while others might understand EXACTLY where I'm coming from.

It wasn't until hearing this quote on the radio yesterday, that I knew exactly what it was I was trying to put into words.

Don't tell God how big your giant is... tell your giant how BIG your God is!

You see, Numbers 13-14 have weighed heavily on my heart this past week. I feel defeated in so much that I do, and feeling as though the obstacles in front of me are far greater than little me! I struggle that maybe my GIANT is more than I can handle. Instead... I MUST remind myself God is FAR greater than any giant in my path! For me, that giant is something trying to steer me away from what I'm working towards. Something big. I feel like everyday a door is being slammed in my face and I wonder if maybe I should just not worry with this anymore. NO! I will not give up and just because a door slams, I believe that I should face the giant harder and find another door. Maybe it will also slam in my face, and maybe it won't! But if I don't try, if I don't face it... then what am I telling God??? For others, your giant might be something different. When Mosses sent his men to explore Canaan... they came back feeling defeated by the giant.

in Numbers 13:31 & 32 they say...

³¹ But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.”³² And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size.

God NEVER called us to easy. He never called us to a simple life. I know that every giant I have ever faced in my life... that when I continue on... I press forward... I run... and I TRUST in my God... that I CAN do it. I can achieve it... I CAN make a difference.

This morning I read on Andrea Young's blog... (and I hope she won't mind me reposting this)...

A friend said to her... "You know you can't save them all. I mean, when is enough-enough Andrea."

Without thinking she responded. "I know. I understand what you are saying. But I also think our culture too often uses that thinking as an excuses to do nothing. And I can't do nothing. I held her - and I just have to see... and wait... and go it He says go. And I can't worry about what the world thinks either."

I cannot help but feel the EXACT same way. I have felt soooo many people, including family and friends say similar things. And I only have one child! For me though... it isn't even all about saving each and every orphan. I GET that. I don't believe God calls us to that. He doesn't call EVERY person to adopt either. But He DOES call us to LOVE them, to treat them as we want to be treated. So... my question is... WHY NOT ME??? Why not you?? I believe... and this might offend some people... but I believe we as Americans are SELFISH. Yes, you read right. I believe we are caught up in our everyday lives. We live the comfortable lives we want, we have cars, large homes, the latest clothing & trends... etc.

I'm NOT saying there is anything wrong with that. But I hear WAY too often, I just don't have the money to help anyone else right now. We're struggling to get by! Really???? But yet [we] have the money to grab a Starbuck's on our way into work, eat out for dinner, buy our kids new clothes for school, or whatever it may happen to be. It frustrates me. I often say the same thing. But the truth is... we are FAR more rich than anyone else in the world. There is NOTHING holding us back from helping, serving, caring. HUNDREDS are starving and even dying across the world and all we can do over here is listen on the news as they talk about the latest trends, the latest on the trials and court cases and what celebrity is in jail now!

How can THIS be??? I just cannot wrap my hands around it. So again, I ask, why NOT me? I am willing, I am able... what giant is holding you back from making a difference???? Don't allow your giant to defeat you... trust in the Lord, your God and allow Him to defeat the giant!

Until then... Brantley

A little of this, A little of that

2011-07-31T14:59:00.000-07:00

Here is some of what we've been up to lately!

Playtime in the sink, of course!

And let's not forget her silly little self playing with her toys. [and wearing some]

And a little sunshine never hurt... we enjoy playing in the grass together too!

And this is my baby girl sporting a kids baseball hat that I wore & played with as a kid too! Too cute!

And here were two shots from my phone today... I have been fighting a sinus infection & this little lady brightened my day! She cracks me up!

That's it for today! Have a wonderful rest of the day/weekend!

Until then... Brantley

A MUST read...

2011-07-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

Here I sit on my comfy couch, complaining because I have yet another sinus infection. My husband goes out and brings me home a bagel and it ends up in the trash only minutes later - because it doesn't taste "good" because my taste buds are screwed up due to the drainage. And then... minutes later I receive an email from a friend... linking me to THIS post. I AM CONVICTED!

I pray we ALL will feel convicted... but not just BE convicted... but DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

Click HERE to read her post.

The Lord is showing me some pretty sad, yet true reminders. I am thankful, yet sad that I have never done anything about things like this. Its TIME to make a DIFFERENCE. I AM ready, are YOU?

Until then... Brantley

Here I am

2011-07-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Promise, I have gone anywhere! I'm still here... just SUPER busy! With a 6 month old on the go... SERIOUSLY on the go and everywhere, not to mention some new and exciting thing in the mix... plus work... church, workshop... this momma is CRAZY BUSY!

I have so much to share in the upcoming weeks and I'm busting at the seems. I've received so many emails from quite a few of you asking if we're adopting again, asking if we're preggo... and the list of some other crazy accusations goes on. I promise we're not trying to be obnoxious... we're just waiting for the PERFECT time to announce. Its coming though... I promise!

Until then... Keep praying... Brantley

BIG things!

2011-07-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

Oh my... Lord, how you have changed my heart! I am not the same... and I am okay with that! You have sent me so many CRAZY reminders... not gentle... CRAZY!!! You have moved me, you have given me a voice and you have brought me to my knees yet again. Teri Lynn's story has radically changed me and my family. We went as far as to get in touch with her contact at Reece's Rainbow and then the with agency involved. After so many prayers and answers from our God... its clear to us that Teri Lynn is not in fact our child. As much as this breaks a piece of me... I must trust in HIS plan. Marianne, who is Teri Lynn's contact at Reece's Rainbow informed us that there has been an out pour of families seeking to adopt Teri Lynn. Although no commitments have been made at this time - they're confident that one of these families will be approved soon. [praying so hard that this happens soon!]

This also gave us the confidence we needed to move forward. I am still an emotional wreck about this little girl, but so thankful to be more aware of what is going on around the world. I am beyond excited about the plans He has in store for our family! He has already opened so many doors for us, and continues to show me new things!

In fact... we have something pretty excited in the "works"! Something BIG that He has placed on my heart over the last month or so. Teri Lynn's story helped give me a strong push... and opened our eyes to much more! I'm thrilled! I cannot wait to share with you our news... but not yet! I will say though... its going to be exciting! Please continue to pray for Teri Lynn and ALL of the other precious faces at Reece's Rainbow! There are sooo many in the same situation as Teri Lynn and they all need your prayers and support! Join me in praying and spreading the word for these children!

Until then... Brantley

Such encouragement!

2011-07-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

Wow... what a hot, sticky day today was! It was miserable... up until the point of FINALLY meeting Angela Braniff! You can see their blog HERE.

I was so looking forward to today and being able to present her with the funds in which God provided! (by the way, they are the family we were supporting through the month of July - by fundraising with sessions and workshops!) Anyway... we met and we clicked instantly! (at least I thought so!) We talked about adoption [of course], about Teri Lynn, about photography and about living this crazy life we live! We seemed to have so much in common and it was so encouraging to me after this crazy, confusing, emotional week I have had. I am thankful for this time I had to share with her today.

Also... I felt [even more] clarification that this was the RIGHT family for us to support! God placed this family in my lap at just the right moment. We had been praying for a family to support in some way... a family to give back to! Randomly, I received a friend request from her on facebook... turned out we know some mutual people. I then found her blog and the connection took off from there! We had so many (that we didn't know) give so graciously to us when we adopted... and we simply wanted to give back. Angela's heart is so beautiful! Her passion for orphans, her 'oh so sweet' compassion for these children with special needs and just her heart as a believer in Christ - well... its just beautiful!

I left our lunch feeling so motivated and even more on fire for Him and this fight to save these orphans and advocate for them! They do not have a voice... but WE DO! It is our duty to stand up for them and spread the word about these children! And... Teri Lynn's story affected me on so many levels. It has opened the door to conversations with my husband about our next adoption (YES... our next one!)... and it has opened my heart to children I never thought I could see myself parenting!

God is so good and His timing is even greater! I am so thankful for the MANY blessing He has given, and even more so for the gentle reminders He has shown me through the lives of others! Today, I want to say thank you to Angela for sharing her heart and for being such a beautiful example, and such an inspiring advocate for these orphans! My words are jumbled up in my head tonight... so if something sounds unclear... I'm sorry! :)

To read more about the Braniff's story and their journey to bring home their baby... click HERE.

Also... if you feel led to give a donation, or help them become one step closer to bringing their baby home... you can also give on their blog by using their Paypal link! I'm sure they're all greatly appreciated!

Until then... Brantley

Lord break my heart for what breaks yours!

2011-07-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

That has been my prayer for many months now. My prayer has been this even more so lately. I have struggled for the past few days about what to write for this post. I haven't had the words to put on paper... but I think I am at peace with where I am.

You see... there is a little girl that has broken me inside. Her name is Teri Lynn! Most of you in the adoption world have seen her face plastered on every blog by now and all across the world people are spreading the news about her. I was moved when I first saw her face several days ago. I broke down... I completely lost it... and I could think straight anymore!

This is Teri Lynn, in an orphanage in the Ukraine.

This is Teri Lynn now! After she turned 5 years old... they put children like her in mental institutions. They are no longer treated with care or dignity... because after all... they are not "normal". They shaved her head and you can see bumps and bruises on her face. They leave them in cribs to urinate on themselves until someone decides to come in and change them. Oh Lord... why has someone not saved this child from this??

Her story, her life and her future have completely broken me! To a point in which I was ready and eager to jump a plane and bring this little girl HOME! Yes, you read right... HOME. I was dead serious and I felt like she could be MY daughter!

I cried ALL night long after reading this... I couldn't forget what my eyes had seen and what I read out loud to my husband about the details of her life and where she is headed. We both stopped with tears in our eyes and prayed so long! The fact that she has down syndrome and no one loves her... no one is willing to call her their daughter! Why not me??? This is what I asked myself and begged for the Lord to clarify in me! I even went behind my husband's back and emailed the contact in hopes to receive more information about Terri Lynn. Fortunately, I never heard back... which unfortunately... also breaks my heart. (my husband now knows I did this... and that was wrong... I should let him lead this family!)

I was so torn... because here we have a 6 month old at home... to which our adoption isn't even final according to our state. And here on the other end of the world is this precious child who is being treated like dirt on the ground, with no one to care or love her. Oh Lord... please break my heart for what breaks yours! I continue to say this over and over. And He has! He has broken me to a point in that I would happily go across the world and bring in her into our home and love her for the rest of her life!

Only... this is what God has called us to do. And Lord, that breaks my heart.

I cannot understand why [we] cannot be her parents??? No one else wants her. No one else is willing to give her a home! She has been sitting in an orphanage her whole life and no one has yet to show her grace and give her a forever family!!! Had you asked me a week ago... or even a year ago if we could be willing to adopt a special needs child... especially one with down syndrome... I would have politely answered... "no thank you, that is not for us." Unfortunately though... what was really going on my mind was... are you serious... no way would I change my comfortable life and be willing to sacrifice the rest of my life to care for another. Yes, its sad, but its true.

But the Lord HAS broken me of that and I WOULD gladly "wreck" my comfortable world to care for this beautiful, lonely, scared and vulnerable child! She has no one to love her, nurture her, build her up and give her the LOVE of our Jesus! I want to be the one to do this! Lord... why are you NOT calling our family to be the saving grace for this precious child with no hope????

Right now... I am in tears trying to put my emotions into words on this screen. I am clueless as why... but I must trust that His plan is greater than my own. That I must trust my husband as we walk down this path and trust that He is leaning on our Savior for the answers. Which, I know He is!

I [we], are still coping with this. We're praying daily for the answers, for what our role is in this story of Terri Lynn. Praying that God will show us what to do... that He would open our eyes to SEE. That He would lead us to this country and bring this little girl HOME [if that be HIS will for us]! Please continue to pray for us and these challenging days. The days of tears and sorrow for this little girl. That if we are not the parents... that God will show the ones who are. That He would open their hearts and their eyes to see the truth! Lord, give this child a forever home and break those who see her, who read her story.

To read more of her story and/or to donate to her fund through Reece's Rainbow... go HERE!

Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours!

Until then.... Brantley

My heart is heavy... but NOT full.

2011-07-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

My heart is so heavy this morning! After many tears shed of total conviction, and the joy of knowing how great our God is! The weight of something so scary, yet so exciting is weighing me down inside. I am anxious, I am beyond scared and I am praying that the Lord will open our eyes! Some might think we're crazy, some might not... but I do know that once our eyes are opened... we cannot pretend we do not know what to do! I am not 100% clear on what His plan is at this time... but I feel something sooo big! Lord... please show us your plan for us!

This morning I am leaning on scripture.

". . . once our eyes are opened we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act . " Proverbs 24:12

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I'm sorry, I just had to get that out. I am not going into details at this time, but please pray for Him to open our eyes and lead us! Please pray for us as we continue to pray!

Until then.. Brantley

A gift for Katherine Grace

2011-07-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

Today, I went about my typical Monday just like any other. Only today I realized I needed to stop by our agency and run a few errands. So, I loaded my sweetie in the car and headed to our agencies office first. When I got there, they said I had a package! I was a little shocked and couldn't quite understand why I would have a package for me there. And then she walked out from around the corner holding an adorable teddy bear and note. It was from Katherine Grace's birthmom! I couldn't believe it and was so thrilled that she was thinking about her! I wrapped it in my arms and hurried back out to the car to read the note. What meant the most was that this teddy bear was her birthmom's bear as a child. And she wanted Katherine Grace to have it! :)

This is special to us, because this is something tangible that Katherine Grace can have when she is older. We have a box that we are keeping things in. It has her hospital bracelet, our adoption book that we created for the agency, her little hospital gown from when she stayed in the hospital at 4 weeks and the outfit she left the hospital in on her gotcha day. A few other special things... but this is something from her birthmom that she will be able to keep. I did let her hold it for a few quick shots though! :)

I think next time we send some pictures to our agency, I will make sure to send a copy of these for her birthmom to have. I think she'll appreciate them. :)

By the way... did I mention we have a court date?!! Yes! We have our court date schedule for August 26th... and our adoption will be OFFICIAL!

Until then... Brantley

28 Weeks and Counting!

2011-07-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

Oh my, Oh my! Where does the time go?? My baby girl is 28 weeks today! Here are some quick shots from her VERY QUICK mini session last night! She is super easy to photograph... almost too easy sometimes! These were probably the most easy we've done yet!

A little piece of scripture that has been my encouragement the past few days...

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

She and her daddy! Oh my, this girl loves her daddy! :)

Thanks for stopping by... hoping to have more pics later this week from everyday life!

Until then... Brantley

to be like HIM

2011-07-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

I rarely put people on pedestals... at least I try hard not too. And to be honest, I can be so critical at times, even of myself, that I rarely have people that I want to put on a pedestal. As harsh at that sounds... its true.

But the reality is... their is this amazing young woman who has given her life to be like HIM. Her story has touched my life on many occasions and I daily read her posts over and over and over again. They bring tears to my eyes. Today, well her post was no different. Actually, it was. It was even more touching, more moving and more motivating! It is opening my eyes to the reality that this life wasn't mean to be glamorous. We weren't called to perfect, we don't deserve the food we eat or these mansions we live in. We are not entitled to the riches we hold here on earth. So, if that is the case, then why do we live daily to have these things... to live a life of luxury and fame? Why we do we strive so hard at our jobs or business' to become the most successful that we can be...and not strive for the ONE who calling our names? Why don't we live our lives to glorify Him, by being completely selfless and bending over to help others?

This post below is Katie, an amazing, God-seeking woman who lives her life like I've NEVER seen anyone do! It is completely an utterly beautiful! So... read her words below and meditate on the truth behind it.

My question for you today and this weekend (but mostly myself)...

What is God calling you to do with your life?

What could you be doing to bend over and be the hands & feet of Jesus?

[copied from http://www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/ ]
Friday, June 3, 2011
Around here, we live bent low.
Tuesday morning ladies from Masese stream through my front door. We have moved our weekly meeting from the slum of Masese to my living room because I have been up all night with new foster baby and can’t imagine getting all 14 of these little people out of the house. Excited about a change of pace and my sweet friends in my home, I enlist the help of darling Tamara and 13 eager little girls to give these ladies pedicures. We wash and we rub and we paint. I rub lotion into old scarred feet and think of the journeys they have traveled. I whisper thanks for the ways they have blessed me and the things they have taught me, and here in a puddle on the hard tile floor, Joy overflows.
It is on this same cold, smooth tile that I kneel hours later, face inches away from the burn on Makerere’s calf. The stench doesn’t even bother me anymore. And while it looks horrific to outside eyes, I remember what it looked like months ago and ever so slowly, I can see the healing. I can see the healing in the blood red life that spills out as I bandage and in the smiling eyes that tell me stories as I work. Laying on my belly with a surgical blade I scrape out the dead and do my best to preserve the new pink tissue that is starting to form around the edges. He laughs and says, “I have told you now all the stories I have! It must be your turn.” And I tell him a story of a Heavenly King born as a pauper and of a Body broken for me and for him and for each one of us. And I don’t even realize but there are tears on the tile and I sit astonished that messy, inadequate, ungraceful me would get to share such a story.
We sit in the dirt, not worried about the red stains and serve 400 plates of food to sponsored children on Saturday. I look into these faces and remember them nearly 4 years ago, destitute and hopeless and starving. Afraid of my funny white skin. We feed them lunch and we feed them God’s Word and we watch them transform. We feel like family now, no one noticing these skin differences. The suns rays beat down the glory of God and covered in mud and chicken broth I know that this is contentment.
Our family sits on the street corner down town sharing ice cream and laughter. My daughter bends low to offer a homeless man her popsicle and as he cries that no one cares about him she looks straight into his face. “We will be your family,” she asserts, and she means it. We kneel on the pavement and we pray and people stop to look but we hardly notice because we were made for this.
We bend.
I bend to sweep crumbs and I bend to wipe vomit and I bend to pick up little ones and wipe away tears. I bend over a big pot of stew and I bend to fold endless laundry and I bend over math books and spelling sentences and history quiz corrections. And at the end of these days I bend next to the bed and I ask only that I could bend more, bend lower.
Because I serve a Savior who came to be a servant. He lived bent low. And bent down here is where I see His face.
He lived, only to die.
Could I?
Die to self and just break open for love.
This Savior, His one purpose to spend Himself on behalf of messy us. Will I spend myself on behalf of those in front of me?
And people say, “Don’t you get tired?” and yes, I do. But I’m face to face with Jesus in the dirt, and the more I bend the harder and better and fuller this life gets. And sure, we are tired, but oh we are happy. Because bent down low is where we find fullness of Joy.

Praying for you as you bend today for whoever is in front of you. He will meet you there.

Me & My 4-legged friend!

2011-07-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

Katherine Grace and our sweet pooch, Lexie are definitely the best of pals! Its actually kind of humorous... almost as though they share a special language together or something. They will hang out on the rug in Katherine Grace's playroom for hours while she plays... and Lexie even lets her crawl all over her, while pulling at her ears. Poor dog... she puts up with so much! Don't worry though, we set boundaries with these two pals and don't allow Katherine Grace to hurt her, or allow get too rough.

Here are some moments from yesterday...

It was funny, because they were playing and I said, "hey, Lexie!" and they both looked up at me! haha

And of course, our sweet Lexie decided she wanted to be center of attention (at least for 1 shot)!

And here is Katherine Grace standing up! She pulls herself up all the time... its becoming hard to keep up with her!

Such a proud little lady! More updates to come soon... for now... we have to pack, because we are off to Murrell's Inlet for the weekend to photograph a wedding! This will be one of the few nights we will be away from our little princess! I'm excited for a night away with my love, but I also know how much I will miss her!

Until then... Brantley

Blessings come through tears

2011-07-13T05:16:00.000-07:00

The song right now that is playing on my IPod is Blessings by Laura's Story. This song hits me with a ton of bricks each morning as I sit and pray. I love it!

It convicts me in so many ways and reminds me of how God is near. Sometimes we may not feel Him because things just seem so big and so painful at the moment, and we feel like He's left us all alone. But on the contrary... He ALWAYS finds way to make himself evident when I'm going through trials! I'll never forget our adoption journey. I don't like to call it a process or anything... because I feel very confident that it is fact a journey. One in which God is calling me, teaching me and growing me! I'll never forget the "last days" leading up to the day we received OUR call.

I'll never forget the tears I shed and the raw emotions that I felt. Although to the outside world our journey was very short (8 1/2 months short)... it felt like ages to us. I won't get started on that battle right now. But the truth is... during that last month... God used me, he molded me and he broke me. Those moments of feeling so desperate for comfort... and the moments of total surrender to my God! I'll never forget the feeling of Him wrapping his loving arms around me I wept on my bed each day for MANY days. I never forget crying out to Him begging him to remove this pain and these tears from my eyes.

But what I know now... and what I would soon find out just a few short weeks later...

was that God was preparing our hearts for what was ahead. He was breaking me and placing me right where he wanted me. It wasn't a place of contentment for me, instead it was a place of surrender... a place where I had to let go of my own emotions, my own feelings, my own story... and to ALLOW him to tell the story that HE had. And oh how beautiful HIS story is!

I am reminded by the words in this song that not all blessings come from things we pray for and they magically happen the way we wanted. So often the blessings in our life come from the tears we shed, the moments in which he breaks us down and asks us to surrender. I am awe of our God and the blessings He gives us! Thank you Lord for the tears! As hard as they came be in the moments, they build us up and they help to grow us to handle what is next!

What are the blessings in your life and how has God used you?

Until then... Brantley

Adoption Spotlight: Beginner's Photography Workshop

2011-07-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

Hi again... the month of July is almost over and that means our spotlight for the month of July really needs your support! We've tried to help out the Braniff's as they journey to bring home their little girl from the Congo. This last big fundraiser is a Beginner's Photography Workshop. If any of you are in the Columbia, South Carolina area... or close by... we'd love for you to sign up in our workshop!

Do you own an SLR, but don’t know how to get out of the automatic setting? Are you clueless as to what all of those little settings mean? Well… you’re in luck! Because that is where we come in! Reading manuals can be a blur and a whole lot of information that makes no sense to the common person. But we can teach you how to operate your camera using its fullest potential, learn a little about technique and composition, as well as some shooting time!

[moms, dads, families, teens or just someone interested in learning the basics]

Here are the details:

When: Saturday, July 30th

Where: 701 Whaley (learning & one on one time) & USC’s Horseshoe (shooting time)

Cost: $50

Includes: We will spend approximately 1 hour at our studio (located in 701 Whaley) for workshop/class time. We will go through a slideshow presentation, and each person will receive 10 minutes of one on one attention. You can ask questions during this time, and receive a little more personal attention. We will then head outdoors (if weather permits) and spend 30-45 minutes of shooting! We will provide snacks and a plenty of bottled water!

What you will learn? We will be focusing on basic technique, composition, [very basic] lighting and how to operate your SLR camera! Most own an SLR, but do not understand enough to maximize it to its fullest! I am most familiar with Canon equipment, as this is what we use. However, all are welcome! :)

Most importantly, you will gain a better understanding of how to work your camera, and capture life’s little moments!

**All payments are due in full in order to reserve your spot! We will be donating $25 from each attendee’s registration to the Braniff’s to help support them in their adoption! They’re giving a forever home to a child in the Congo! To read more about their story… click HERE!

So… what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out… because we only have 20 spots… oh wait… now only 11 spots available! Hurry, they’re booking fast!

Contact the studio at 803.429.0621 or by email at alldressedupphotography@yahoo.com

So... don't miss out and please help us support this wonderful family as they raise the funds to bring home their baby!!!

Until then... Brantley

My life in 6 Months

2011-07-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

My life in the past 6 months changed drastically! It changed in the BEST way I ever imagined! Its amazing and I love of second of having my ~~baby~~ child in my life!

In the past 6 months I've learned...

to LOVE LOVE LOVE always!
to enjoy EVERY day that I have with her
to treasure each day, especially this first year
that I love my baby... and she's growing up WAY too fast
that I'm BEYOND thankful for this blessing in my life
that I'm not even the slightest regretful for stopping and grabbing the camera to capture a moment
that ALL of the pictures I've taken are priceless to me and my family
that I know my baby more than anyone... and that a mother's instinct is ALWAYS right (at least for me it has been so far)
that time flies even faster than everyone said it would
that my baby is NOT every other baby and put down those books
that I should always go with my heart, and not second guess myself when it comes to my baby
that I LOVE her more than I ever thought I could love someone
that my life has been filled with so much joy since bringing her home
that her smile is sooooo contagious
that asking for a little help is OK
that I'm going to miss these first 6 months like crazy
that I'm definitely looking ahead to the many still to come

What are you enjoying about your baby... or if yours are all grown... what do you miss the most?

Here are some from this week! Enjoy!

Did I mention my baby girl turned 27 weeks yesterday? Yep... its true!

Until then... Brantley

Junk Room turns NEW Playroom!!!

2011-07-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

We're so excited about the newest "redo" at our house! We live in a pretty small house, two bedrooms with a spare room. The spare room is technically a "walk through bedroom". Something that is considered common in houses built in the late 60's, early 70's. (which is our house) Anyway, its not very functional as a bedroom (as far as we're concerned), so we recently turned it from our catch all... or junk room into Katherine Grace's new playroom! This is the only room in our house with the wood paneling. When we first bought this house, we painted it this guacamole green color and felt it gave it a slightly better look! :) Below... you will see the before and after pics... along with what we spent on our "playroom on a budget"!

Check it out!

I won't lie... I'm a little embarrassed to even show you the before shots!

See what I mean by catch all!

And now... here are the AFTER shots! Much better... if I must say so myself!

Here is a mini breakdown of what we did!

Rug was by far our best find! We spent $19 on it from Ikea! LOVE. And... its super soft for our little lady to crawl around on! Plus... I love the modern look, yet practicality of it as well!

Next, you'll notice the large cubed wall unit. We love this and spent $129 (also from Ikea).

The toys were all hand me downs or shower gifts.

The bins were from Bed, Bath & Beyond... those were a little pricey at $12.95 each.

Curtains... from before.

We also saved by not repainting the room! We love this guacamole color green... and the bins compliment it perfectly!

A sweet knob decor, or even ornament if desired that a friend made for Katherine Grace after we brought her home! I absolutely LOVE how thoughtful she was... she hand painted the mural on it that is in her nursery!

Wall of pictures we grouped by year! Some favorites starting with our honeymoon... up until Katherine Grace's Gotcha Day! I love this clean, simple approach to showing off your memories!

And of course... let us not forget the reason we created this adorable playroom! The star herself... Katherine Grace! :) We found the fun, squishy play mats at WalMart for $5 for a pack of 9! Another great buy!

So... how do you think we did? All of this was created today! Not bad for a day's work! :)

Until then... Brantley

6 Month Appt & Percentiles

2011-07-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

Yep... all the good stuff that either you care to read about... or maybe not so much! This is more for me than probably most of you... either way... HERE YOU GO!

My baby turned 6 Months on the 3rd of July! CRAZINESS!!!

Today's stats...

Weight: 16lbs 9oz

Length: 26"

She's in the 52 percentile for her length and 56 percentile for her weight! Even more craziness in my opinion! So many people that see her in person think she's sooooo LONG! But in fact... she's average in length! :) Who knows... maybe she'll end up spiking and end back in the 80th percentile for her length again! (2 week appt)

Since we're here talking about babies & growing up... here is a little old school that this momma found yesterday while rummaging through boxes of old pics at my parent's house. I knew there were some pics I wanted from my childhood, so I begged my parent's to let us come over & dig through boxes and boxes of old pics. So glad I did... I found so many pics that I will treasure! Here are some fun ones! :)

This would be ME.

Here I am as a little one! :) From left: Me with my grandaddy Herman who I miss dearly! I love you grandaddy! Center: Me with my grandma Thelma! :) We love our visits with her still to this day! Right: Me with my momma! I love you too!

And now for a little sista love! :) My sister (left)... Nicole.

More sister pics...

Well... that my friends is it for today! I treasure these pictures and the many more that I have found! So many I want to protect and archive! I have a lot of work ahead of me! :)

Until then... Brantley

6 Months Old & FIRST 4th of July!

2011-07-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe it... but she's 6 Months Old today! Oh my... where is my baby girl going?!! She's growing up sooo fast!

Here is a teaser from her 6 Month Session this morning! More to come soon... promise!

She's been a little under the weather the last part of the week and weekend. We're hoping she gets rid of this head cold soon. Thankfully, no fevers! :) We have her 6 Month Appt this Tuesday, so I can't wait to see what her percentiles are!

And here is a HAPPY 4th pic! :)

Well... there you have it! Can't wait to give more updates soon!

Until then... Brantley

Week of 'Oh My' Moments!

2011-07-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, this has been the week of 'Oh My' moments for sure! My baby girl not only started crawling a week or so ago... but she started doing this today!

She's been able to pull up on her knees for the past week or so... but suddenly I turned the corner and she was standing up by the ottoman trying to grab my Chickfila bag!

Sorry sweetie... how about Sophie instead! :)

And then later this afternoon... this is what she was doing! Oh my, how fast you're growing up!

We've had quite a few other 'oh my' moments....

1) Replace plumbing under our house! (not cheap) We live in an old house, by the way!

2) Just got a bill after my car went in the shop... $640 worth of repairs, new brakes & such!

3) Richard's car needs a new transmission... $3,500!

4) 2 Emergency plumbing calls made on the weekends... $400 each. :(

5) Bumb toe that left me sitting in the waiting room two different days, before finding out what was wrong!

6) Sick baby girl.... with the exception of her hospital stay at 4 weeks old... she has been a relatively healthy baby. This is her first "sickness" if you will. Sniffly nose, sneezing and LOTS of fussiness today.

7) And to top it all off... we now have NO sitter!

Lets just say... this week has NOT been good. However... with all of these 'oh my' moments... I know that God is somewhere in the middle of this. He's right here with us and only giving us more than we can handle. Trust me... some moments I feel like giving up. But I know that things will brighten up soon [I hope].

The big question now... what is God trying to teach me through all of this? By no means am I the best optimist, but I do try hard to be. We've been praying hard this last month for God's will for our lives. So many days we feel like He is trying to show us something... we're just not clear on what that is right now. Maybe I'm not seeking Him hard enough? Maybe He has shown me and I'm not responding? I'm not sure to be honest, but I do know that I want whatever He wants for me! I pray that my eyes will be opened and He will show me the way!

Is God trying to teach you something through the chaos is life? Is He trying to open your eyes, and maybe you're just not responding?

Until then... Brantley

Family Beach Session

2011-06-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this is LONG past due, but I have been under the weather this past week and super busy prior to that. So... here is our beach session from earlier in June! We had a blast and Katherine Grace was her happy little self during the session. Maybe thats because she LOVES the water (and that includes the beautiful ocean!) You will notice some of the images are on "spreads". That is because some are of the actual pages that I designed for our album. :) So thankful to have these! Enjoy!

We definitely have the wind blown look going on and in some... Richard's hair looks like a fro! haha But we had fun with it... so we really don't mind! :)

Sweet baby girl! Love her contagious personality... she brings so much joy to our lives!

Well... that's it for today. We have a busy weekend ahead of us and I cannot wait for some relaxing time with my family! :) I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures from the weekend to post sometime next week!

Until then... Brantley

Challenging Week

2011-06-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

My week started off not so great! I have been having problems with some tenderness in her my left "big" toe. Then... on Friday it started swelling! By Saturday I was in excruciating pain... to the point I couldn't stand it any longer, and cried the entire night! I can be a pretty emotional gal at times... but not because of things like this! I can honestly say I have NEVER experienced pain like this before. Monday came and I made an appointment to see our family doctor. He inspected it closely and couldn't find a reason for the swelling, or redness to it. It wasn't an ingrown toe nail... he knew that much. So... he called in for an x-ray, which I had done this morning. Nothing showed up, so he referred me to a foot doctor. I went there this afternoon.

Everything went well... they loaded me up on some even better pain meds than my family doctor gave me. They ordered yet another x-ray (go figure). Everything came back okay, but apparently I had some sort of infection that was getting into the bone! Talk about painful! Hope this never happens to you... I have been absolutely miserable! Thankfully, the meds are finally starting to work and I'm feeling good! The best part about all of this is that I am working from home this week! Which means... I get to spend unlimited time with my baby girl! She has been such a sweet girl through all of this. Just yesterday alone, we spent nearly 3 hours sitting in a waiting room... then another 45 minutes in the actual doctors office. She was such a sport and sat patiently in my lap! I was able to walk around a little with her to keep her entertained... we received so many compliments from patients who noticed how well she was doing. That made this momma so proud.

So... today I praise God for blessing me with this beautiful baby girl, a wonderful husband who has babied me like crazy in attempts to comfort me in any way he can. And also for a pretty awesome dad who has come with me to all of these doctors appointments and sat patiently with me. I haven't been able to drive because of the pain. Then with the meds they prescribed... I now can't drive even if I wanted to. So... me and my sweet girl will be stuck at home to love on one another!

Here are some sweet shots I grabbed of her the other day... I love her!

I love her sweet tush... and most of all... I LOVE that soft touch, tight hug and oohy gooey kiss she gives! She is so precious to me and I couldn't be more thankful to have her in my life!

More pics and updates to come soon... Until then... Brantley

Birthdays, Road trips and Cousins!

2011-06-28T05:05:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we headed to Charlotte to spend the day with our niece and nephew! It was my 'oh so sweet' nephew's 3rd birthday and we went down to spend some time and celebrate with them. He already had his official party the day before... so this was more of a family thing! :) I have been itching to get some pics of the 3 cousins together! Evan is now 3, Georgia is 1 1/2 and Katherine Grace is almost 6 months old. So... we plopped them up on the couch... and well... this my friends is what we got! haha Memories for sure!

Poor Georgia (far left) wasn't feeling well at all. We thought it was her back teeth coming in, but we later found out she had a virus. :(

Our little lady thinks that anything that resembles a cup or bottle... she immediately wants it! Its kinda funny.... but wasn't too Georgia! lol

See what I mean?! :)

Here is my little moving machine! She's all over the place. Still a little slow sometimes, but nonetheless... into EVERYTHING!

Even though she wasn't her happy self on Saturday... she is still one adorable little lady! So cute!

And here is my mom with her two little ladies! We managed to get a smile out of Georgia! :)

Katherine Grace loved spending the day with her cousins! So thankful for days like that! Happy Birthday to our sweet Evan! We love you!

Until then... Brantley

Crawling!!!!!

2011-06-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe... but oh so true! My baby girl is officially crawling! I still can't believe it! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch the first time on camera... but I caught it this morning! She crawled for the first time yesterday. After a crazy busy day in the studio, a stressful week playing catch up... I was so eager to get home and see my baby! I had no idea just what I had in store... but when I walked in the door, relieved our sitter and sat on the floor to play with my sweet girl.... she came crawling towards me!!!! Talk about a jaw dropper... she blew me away! I'm always so afraid that I'm going to miss some of these firsts... but its like she waits on me or something. I'm so thankful I was there in that moment... but better yet... in exactly that moment! It was perfect and I feel so blessed! So... here she is crawling this morning! [excuse my high pitched voice!]

This momma has been so happy... although starting to get scared. Just this morning she was halfway across the room within a matter of seconds and already has found cords and such. Thank goodness we're off this weekend... because I know what we're going to be doing! Baby proofing time!

Here are some other pictures of her! These were from yesterday (6.23.11)

We started off the morning with some play time after her morning bottle! Before, she loved to sit on the floor like this and rock back and forth. So... we knew she would be crawling soon... I just didn't know it would be later that same day!

This shot was taken soon after we got home from work! She is such a daddy's girl and I LOVE it! This is my new favorite picture of two of them! How funny is that?!!

Her curious self. She loves looking out the window!

And here we are at bath time last night! Such a happy baby when she's in the water! :)

And that my friends... well, that is my baby girl on the go! Everyone says its a whole new ball game when they start moving around. I must say though... I'm having the time of my life!

Until then... Brantley

A Father's Day He'll NEVER forget!

2011-06-20T04:43:00.000-07:00

I promise I don't say that in a conceited way, in fact, what I mean by that really had nothing at all to do with me. You see... the day was perfect and we grilled out, my parents came over and we had a great time. But the best part about the day... well that had everything to do with why we celebrate Father's! The moments you'll see below are 110% candid and not staged. They are real life moments between a father and a daughter... a daddy's girl to be truthful! Richard offered to go rock Katherine Grace to sleep for a nap about mid-day yesterday. I snapped this quick pic of him, because I thought it was so sweet, especially since it was Father's Day!

Then... about 30 minutes later as I was sitting down playing on the internet... I started to wander where on earth he was and what was taking so long. So, I walked down the hall and turned the corner... and this my friends is what I saw!

Our precious baby wrapped so sweetly in her daddy's arms. Both were sound asleep and I about died on the inside with soooo much joy in my heart. Richard was all that and more that I ever prayed for in a husband... and the more... well that was the daddy in him! I never dreamed of being with a man who would be so completely in love with our children, the way he is. He adores her, and lavishes her with the sweetest love, care and protection that all dads should give to their children. Thank you Richard... I know these will be treasured for many many years!

Although this angle was 'oh so' sweet... I had to get in closer but knew I would wake them up. But nope... they both stayed sound asleep as I grew in closer for some even sweeter shots!

Well, there you have it! My sweet husband's first ever, memorable Father's Day! What a sweet sweet gift! I love you for the wonderful man and husband you are to me, but also to the wonderful daddy you are to Katherine Grace! I cannot wait to celebrate many more in the years to come!

Until then... Brantley

Adoption Spotlight- The Braniff's!

2011-06-16T04:16:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I have been so eager to give back in the adoption community, especially after bringing home our sweet bundle of happiness! :)

A month or so ago, Angela Braniff found me on facebook and we've been in touch since. Recently, Richard and I have been praying of ways we can help out someone else who is adopting. But not just anyone, someone we barely know. You see, we're grateful for ALL who helped, but were especially moved by those who reached out so generously to help us when they didn't even know us.

So.... meet the Braniff's!

You can click HERE to read their story and why God is calling them to adopt their next child from Ethiopia!

Also... our photography business has been blessed in more ways than one. About 3 years ago, I made a commitment to use our business to glorify Him, and not just myself. I vowed that I would use it in ways that might benefit others, and not just bring in lots of money for ourselves.

So... with the help of YOU, our talents and a whole lot of fun - we're offering 45 mini sessions for $125! $75 from each session booked during the month of July will go straight to the Braniff's to support them in their journey and to help bring home their baby from Ethiopia!

If you're in the Columbia, South Carolina area and are interested... please join with us to help support them! We want to be overwhelmed with sessions, so we can blow their socks off!

To learn more about our work... go to www.AllDressedUpPhotography.com

We're so excited to watch and see what God continues to do for this family! Please join with us by praying for them and their journey, and pray that He will be glorified in everything!

Until then... Brantley

23 Weeks

2011-06-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

Katherine Grace was 23 weeks on Monday! I cannot believe how fast each week flies by and how she is 5 months old! I still have a hard time thinking about it! I posted these on fb, but never had time to do a post here! So... here you have my baby girl!

I couldn't decide on just one... especially since her facial expressions are so funny to me! So, I picked two this week! :)

What she is doing now:

1] Katherine Grace is sitting up really well. She still uses that hand to prop herself up, but for 5 months.. I feel like this is really good!

2] She is loving her solids. Still trying to ween her off a bottle, and take fewer ones... but she's like clock work! When its bottle time... she's ready and there is no messing with that!

3] Her excersaucer is her favorite "toy" right now! Well, with the exception of Sophie the giraffe! She still loves that teething toy!

4] No teeth have popped through and though I'm not wishing for it.... I cannot believe one hasn't! I can see it very clearly under the gum, and they've been giving her a fit. But no luck yet!

5] She's still a happy baby! I seriously have never seen a baby so happy, so often as she is. People ask us all the time if she's always as happy as she looks in her pics. The truth is... yes! By no means is she perfect and never has her moments, but for the most part... she really is this happy!

6] Crawling you ask? Not quite, but almost. She can pick herself up on all fours and will rock back and forth. She can also scoot backwards, but hasn't quite figured out the crawling part yet. Again, any day now.

Well, that's it for today! My sweet baby girl is growing up right before my eyes. More updates and pics to come soon!

Some more grown up news... Richard and I are praying hard about some BIG things right now. Changes, and what our future holds for our family. If you'll keep us in your prayers, we'd really appreciate it! We're so excited to see what God has for our lives, and how He has continued to use us! It really is pretty awesome!

Until then... Brantley

Fundraising 101

2011-06-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Let me first begin by saying, I am NO pro at fundraising for adoptions... however, I do know a thing or two about it. My reason for this post is to inform and encourage. We receive more emails on fundraising for adoptions than we do anything else. So, I thought this post might help to answer any questions you may have. :)

List of some great fundraising ideas! I'm sure you've heard of many of these... and some you may not see listed. If you know of something that worked for you (or even a friend)... leave a comment so others can see it! The more, the merrier!

1) YARD SALE! We did a HUGE yard sale and planned in 3 months in advance! The farther in advance you start the planning, I feel the more successful it will be. We raised over $2,500 doing ours... everything we sold was purely donation based!

2) Online Auction! You can start an auction right off your blog. Have friends, family and local business' donate items you can auction off! We raised $400 or so on ours. (every little bit helps!)

3) T-Shirt Fundraiser! Have shirts made that say whatever you want and sell them for a profit. The more you buy in bulk, the lower the prices get for you. If you're afraid you're going to be left with a lot of shirts... try pre-selling them ahead of time to get an idea of how many to buy. (we learned that the hard way) :)

4) Bake Sale or Craft Sale! Many of our adoption friends have done this. We never did... but I've heard some great results!

5) Ornament Fundraiser! Awesome idea in my opinion and we helped bring in a lot of our final expense money this way. We made ornaments (ahhhh.... took forever!), but sold them for $10 each. Its hard work depending on how you make them, but they make for great gifts, or just for yourself... plus Christmas is just around the corner!!! Everyone loves ornaments!

6) PayPal Account! We created a PayPal button to receive donations for our adoption! We raised some money this way. It wasn't our best "fundraiser" so to speak... but like I said... EVERY penny HELPS in a HUGE way! You have to remember that going through this process!

7) Local Business Deals! Ask around and see if some business' will sponsor you, or host a special on your behalf. We had several friends who tried this and did really well. For example, a restaurant may give you a certain night and offer 40% of proceeds for your adoption. Or a gift shop may do the same. Possibilities are endless here... just be creative and don't give up!

That's all I have up my sleeve right now... I'm sure I left some out... but I will leave them in the comment section if I think of more later on.

Now... my last part to this post is my encouragement to you. Adoption is a beautiful thing. Adoption fundraising is a new thing to most people. A lot of people will look down on you for it, leave you with some sly remarks, or even question why you're adopting if you can't afford it. Trust me... even some friends will do this. Its hard... its not always easy. Some people will let you down, but you gotta remain strong. One thing I learned more than anything is that the more informative you are about things... the better. The reality is, in the past, people just weren't so open talking about adoption. These days, more and more are open to it and open talking about it! (PRAISE GOD for that!)

The average person, however, just isn't familiar with the process, the costs or even the reason. So, just share with those people your hearts and explain why you're doing this. They'll either take it and help you out, or they'll be rude and do nothing. Either way, brush it off and just smile. You will meet enough generous, and caring people throughout your journey, that you'll start to not even notice those other people. Its so beautiful and so rewarding to see how God can use you! So... TRUST HIM and allow Him to take control! You are NOTHING without Him!

Hope this helps! Until then... Brantley

God's Decision - By Robyn

2011-06-08T04:37:00.000-07:00

I have a blog reader who has been so encouraging to us and given so generously! She has no idea how thankful we are to her. But recently, after reading her blog... I felt like it was her time for some encouragement! I was so moved by the way she wrote this post! The way she told her story so candidly, so truthfully, but straight from the heart in the most real way possible. She allowed me to share it with you - but only if it was in a way that could encourage others, and of course, bring glory to Him! I pray this will in fact encourage some of my readers, as many of you have faced infertility issues, had miscarriages, etc. Although Richard and I have not been down this path - we feel so blessed to hear so many stories of God's faithfulness through yours! Please hop on over to Robyn's blog and if you feel the need, or maybe if you've been in her shoes before - offer up some words of encouragement. I can only imagine this time of grief and what she must be feeling.

Robyn, thank you for sharing and we will continue to pray that God blesses you with another child someday soon! In His timing of course!

Robyn's BLOG click HERE!

Until then... Brantley

A little of This... A little of That!

2011-06-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

Recap: Wedding adventures! Wanted to FINALLY share some pics from my best friend's wedding!

Bride + Groom with US! :) Katherine Grace's first wedding! She looks out of it here... it because she slept through the ceremony [insert BIG YAY!] and we woke her up for this shot! Probably not so nice. haha

My baby girl in her dress! Unfortunately, we never did get a really good shot of just her all dolled up. Might have to put her in it again and do a mini session! ;)

And these below... well these are some other favorites from her 5 month session! :) I love that my baby girl is sitting up so well. Just a few short days later... she's sitting up even better! Crazy!

Well... there you have it! A little of this and a little of that! Trust me... I still have so much to catch up on! Will be posting lots over the next few days!

Until then... Brantley

My baby is 5 MONTHS!

2011-06-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

Oh my! Oh my! My baby girl is 5 months old today! Whew... this is crazy!

We snapped some fun shots during her 5 month session today and I love the ones we captured! :)

In five months, I've learned how fast she is changing & growing! It won't be long before she's all over the place and getting into everything! Although, I'm not wishing the time away!

A little about Katherine Grace at 5 Months:

1- She is still just as happy as ever! Always smiling, literally! We have been blessed with the happiest baby I've ever met! (and I've been around a lot!)

2- She is doing really well sitting up. Still needs to prop herself up a little, and not completely stable - but definitely doing great!

3- She is wearing size 2 diapers and eating us out of house & home! ;) Enjoying her solids - although not too fond of the peas.

4- She has fallen in love with the tv, and bright things catch her attention.

5- Her favorite thing is definitely our dogs! No lie... when she wakes up in the morning, our beagle mix comes in the nursery with us to get her out of her crib! Katherine Grace goes nuts, kicking her legs, and squealing up a storm! Its hilarious!

6- She is still showing teething signs, but no teeth have cut the gums at this time. I'm betting they will before 6 months. Who knows though.

7- She's rolling around and before you can blink- she's halfway across the room! Its crazy!

8- Recently attended her first rehearsal & wedding! Soooo much fun and daddy got to dance with her! Ahhh... made this momma's heart melt!

So many more memories to make with her! Loving every minute with our baby girl... just wishing we could freeze this time with her! More pics to come...

Until then... Brantley

Sweet Peas & Grocery Adventures!

2011-06-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

My baby girl cracks me up on a daily basis - but especially when she eats her veggies! She makes a mess, as I'm sure all babies do. But even when she's not fond of what we give her - she ALWAYS has the biggest smile on her face! I hope this continues in the rest of life's craziness! We shall see!

Let me also add... of all the foods she's tried so far - peas are her least favorite! She loves the squash and sweet potatoes and lets not forget those bananas!

Katherine Grace learning to drive! haha

And this morning... me and my little lady did some grocery shopping! Typically, Richard and I both shop together - its something we enjoy doing together! But we desperately needed groceries and haven't had a chance to go - so it was something Katherine Grace and I did together! This morning was also her FIRST time sitting in the stroller like a big girl. I was wondering if I was going to regret trying this by myself... but she did great and had fun looking at all the bright colored packing throughout the aisles.

Oh and another great find... was this shopping cart cover! If you haven't heard about mamabargains.com... you should hop on over and check it out! Each day they feature a new item that is drastically marked down from its normal price! Its all baby/children's items. We've found several things on there! Many days I'm not interested in what they feature - but every now and then... something great will show up. This shopping cart cover was regular priced at $49 - I paid $19 and shipping was only about $2! Not bad! Plus, it has little clips where you catch attach toys, and little pouches on the inside for toys and such to sit. :)

[excuse the poor quality... taken with my phone!]

She was smiling at me, but then someone walked by and it caught her attention! My phone is quite quick enough! ;)

Well... there you have it! My baby girl is growing up before my eyes! More updates and pics still to come!

Until then... Brantley

My TV baby!

2011-05-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

I came home from work today a tad early because I missed my sweet girl! I can't seem to ever get enough of her! Seriously... she's just the sweetest thing I've ever imagined having in my life and love her more & more everyday! Anyway, lately she's become quite the fan of tv. Every now and then something on that screen will get her attention and she becomes a jaw dropping, drooling machine as she stares!

haha I guess maybe I did steal her attention for a brief second! ;)

Katherine Grace, Oh how mommy and daddy love you so much! Muwah! More updates & pics to come soon... promise!

Until then... Brantley

Memorial Day & 21 Weeks!

2011-05-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

Wow! What an INCREDIBLE weekend this has been! Celebrating the marriage of two wonderful people, quality time with my family and my baby girl turned 21 weeks today! Happy Memorial Day to everyone and especially those who have given so much so that we can be FREE!!! Thank you!

I have so many pics from this weekend's wedding adventures, but for now, I'll share with you a quick pic from her 21 week "mini session"! Enjoy!

More pics to come soon! Until then... Brantley

My Best Friend's Wedding Weekend

2011-05-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

Well, one of my very best friend's is tying the knot this weekend! Praise the Lord, this has been an answered prayer and blessing like no other! We're all beyond thrilled about this day and cannot be happier for Becky and JK! You may remember me talking about these two a few months back. I posted the little video I created of their actual engagement! I was so honored to have been there to photograph and grab some video footage of their sweet proposal! And you may also remember, that I got to play match maker on these two - first time ever - and it worked! ;)

So... here some shots from her bachelorette party last night! The rehearsal is tonight, and wedding on Sunday! So, lots more pics to come throughout the weekend! I cannot wait!

Becky (aka - bride to be), me, Kim and Lauren! All some of the original clan! We all became friends instantly and have been a part of each other's weddings!

This is Brooke, me and Becky! Brooke on the far left is also a photographer and we became friends through a random email asking a photography question! What a sweet sweet friend she has become and we've both captured the most the priceless images for one another! I was blessed to be there when her twins were born and document that entire day. And she was there at the hospital when we picked up Katherine Grace and brought her home! I love both of these ladies!

So... there you have it! Cannot wait to share more from this amazing weekend still to come! Until then... Brantley

A little History

2011-05-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

The past few days I have been thinking about the beginning. The beginning, meaning when we signed our initial paperwork and took that leap of faith. I think many thought we were crazy, especially knowing we didn't have the funds to pay for an adoption. I've spoken about this many many times on this blog. But God tugged and He tugged hard. I knew this was where He wanted us and I knew that He would work out all of the details. Although the plan was still a little unclear, and I worried a LOT wandering how on earth we would raise almost $18,000... I tried my hardest to trust in His plan.

In the end... in just over 6 months... He provided ALL of our funds, leaving us to pay around $2,000 at the end. God IS Good! He is faithful and He does provide. In the beginning, I remember praying so hard for God to use our story to touch others. I prayed that He would be uplifted and glorified throughout our journey and even after placement. I believe He was. Unfortunately though, I feel as though I have fallen off the wagon since bringing Katherine Grace home. I became less passionate, annoyed with emails, discouraged with my blog and truthfully... unmotivated! This was not what I ever imagined.

Thankfully.... God has sent some beautiful encouragement and reminders my way these past few weeks. He has reminded me that He is far from finished with our story and continues to use it daily! I received a phone call from a friend the other day. She has spoken with me a few times already, but recently decided to move forward with their adoption journey! I was in tears listening to her and hearing her fears, excitement and just her story. It reminded me once again on why I created this blog. In many ways it was my outlet and my way to express my emotions during our waiting, as well as document the many phases of our adoption journey. But in the end it became so much more to me. It became a place where I wore my heart on my sleeves, I shared real emotions... raw ones. Ones that were hard to put into words.. but they were REAL and that was what I wanted so desperately to convey. I wanted to share the ups and downs of this scary, yet so rewarding journey. I wanted people to understand the reality of adoption and how God loves and cares of the orphans.

I am so passionate about orphans and even more about adoption. I truly believe this was where God has led our family and praise Him for laying it so heavily on our hearts! I thank Him for USING me... of all people, little ole, crazy emotional, ME! I feel incredibly honored to be where I am.

So... with all of that being said... if you feel God tugging at your heart and you're scared in any way... please trust Him! Allow Him to use you in ways you could never dream possible. Allow Him to write your story for you and take you down the path He wants you to be on. I promise... His is WAY BETTER THAN YOUR OWN!

Until then... Brantley

A Few of My Favorite Things!

2011-05-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well... we're back from the beach and I miss it already! What a wonderful, relaxing week we had. Much needed I might add! I love the ocean... its truly the most natural, peaceful place on earth! One giant creation made by my Savior! It doesn't get any better than that! Now... onto my favorite things!

(By the way... a full post on our week at the beach is to come... promise) These are listed in no particular order.

#1 - the ocean!!! (sort of gave that away in the opening comments!)

#2 - Infantino Flip (2 -Way [front & back] baby carrier)

This thing has come in handy MULTIPLE times! We love using it, especially while at the beach!

And did I mention she LOVES it too! (or maybe she just loves the camera) ;)

#3 - THIS Man! (my husband!)

Why? Because he puts up with my crazy self and loves me like no one ever has before! I love him because he wears pink and isn't afraid to be himself! He's loving, caring, romantic and the most godly man I know. I love you Richard!

#4 - THIS BLOG!

Young House Love is an awesome DIY blog that I started following several months back. Its a couple that documents the stages of redesigning their home(s). They've recently bought a new home and have started over with redesigning. Not everything is my style... but their ideas and tips are so cool! I love this blog... and LOVE almost anything DIY! :)

http://www.younghouselove.com/

#5 - The little girl who brings so much JOY to our lives! My sweet blessing, Katherine Grace!

And this... well this is my baby girl, Katherine Grace! And can you guess how old she is today?? 20 Weeks old... and its starting to hit me how fast she is growing up! I cried the other day after I realized she's about to be 5 months old this Friday!

That's it for today... just a few of my favorite things! (again... in no particular order!)

Until then.... Brantley

And we're off!!!

2011-05-14T04:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read right... this little family of 3 is soooo anxious for their first vacation with Katherine Grace! We didn't think it would happen this year with all of the other expenses, adoption fees & such. But, after a few months of SAVING and not eating out, and using some serious coupons... we've managed to save up & pay for a week long vacation at the beach (& we even got beach front!)! I promise I'm not bragging, I'm simply reminding myself how a little "doing without" can be so rewarding later on! :) Plus, it definitely helped, because we planned the week prior to Memorial Day - we managed to get an incredible deal & afford beach front. Amazing how dramatic the prices get just one week later! So thankful we planned this way and didn't have to settle... instead we got way more than we could have hoped for in a vacation!

So... you ask... "where are you going?" Well, this charming little beach house is where we're off to first thing Sunday morning! (excuse the quality... I borrowed it from the website) Its a 5 bedroom little house, with a large front porch, and AMAZING back porch that extends the entire back of the house! Incredible views from the house and even allowed us to bring our sweet dogs! You might wonder why on earth we needed a 5 bedroom house - well... my parents are coming down for a couple of days. Then, Richard's parents are planning to come down for the last part of the week. Allowing us time with our families, and a little down time with just us!

And this... well... this is the beautiful beach outside our back door!

And that girl you see walking along the beach at sunset (possibly sunrise, not sure)... well, thats not me. However, this momma WILL be out there every evening & EVERY morning walking the coast & reflecting on His beautiful creation! The beach is by far the most relaxing place on earth for me. I cannot possibly explain the way it makes me feel & reminds me how BIG our God is! I am excited to spend the time off really getting into the Word, and digging deep into what it is God has for us next!

You may be curious what packing for a week long trip with a 4 1/2 month old might look like... or maybe not... but here you go anyway! This is the result of JUST Katherine Grace's stuff. Everything from clothes, swim suit, sandals, bumbo seat, travel swing (thank you Amy!!!), formula, rice cereal, bowls/spoons, dishwasher basket for bottles, cleaning spray, beach tent, towels & play matt! Amazing! This should be fun. Not to mention we still have to include our own items in the packing, plus our two dogs! Oh my, what have we done! haha

And a little side note: THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! I won't lie... a little tear jerker. But my baby girl loves for me to read to her and we found this book at Target the other day! Its called Someday! You must check it out! Its now a tie between this book & Shoey & Dot... both are my favorites currently!

I'm so excited I cannot stand it! But first things first.... we're off to photograph a wedding out of town, then drive back (probably won't be home until almost 2am), only to leave the following morning at 7am sharp! How crazy are we???!!!

Well, there you have it! The crazy life we live. I wouldn't have it any other way though! Hope you all have a fabulous week and I cannot wait to share with you pictures from our adventure! Wish us luck!

Until then... Brantley

My 1st Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T06:28:00.000-07:00

I have been so blessed this year... blessed in ways I never imagined! We have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Katherine Grace! I cannot even express the joy I feel this morning! I woke up to a cup of warm coffee with my favorite creamer, blueberry muffins and a happy smiling baby girl! Couldn't get much better than that! :)

So, in honor of all of those 1st Mother's Day out there... here are some teasers from our 1st Family Session with our baby girl! I love how they turned out! Enjoy!

Most of you who have been following my blog for a while... know that the word joy was very special to us throughout our adoption journey. I love the word and simple meaning of it. We had to learn to find JOY in Him, before anything else. Thank you to my wonderful dad for making this sign for us to use in our 1st family session! He's so talented!

We even did some of just the two of us!

So... Happy Mother's Day to ALL of the wonderful moms out there! I hope you're able to share yours with your special mom, or if not, another special lady that you look up to! Enjoy!

Until then... Brantley

The BEST mom I know!

2011-05-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

I honor of the best mom ever... I hope all of my readers feel the same about their own mom! :)

This is hands down my favorite picture of me with my mom! I love this shot! So real and completely raw! I love little moments like this that have been captured - a little frozen moment that I will have to treasure for the rest of my life. Shots like this are the reason I am a photographer!

So... to the BEST mother I know, I love you mommy! You really are the best, and you're such a wonderful person in my life. We love you and appreciate ALL that you do for our family!

Thanks to all the moms out there... including my big sis... Happy Mother's Day to you too!

Until then... Brantley

I'm moved...

2011-05-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

My eyes were flooded with tears today when I open the mail to find the sweetest package! Thank you Allison for making my day so incredibly wonderful, and reminding this momma how blessed we are! I opened the package to find this adorable owl - made of the same marble that was used in the Taj Mahal. Josh, Allison's husband brought it back from India and they decided to pass it along to our sweet Katherine Grace since her nursery is decorated in owls. How incredibly thoughtful!!!

The note though is what brought these eyes to tears. It was so touching and I am completely moved knowing that God is still using us and this beautiful story to touch others. This note was just one more reminder that God's hands have been and are all over our journey. And the awesome part about it all... He's not finished with us. Not even close. Not only did you take the time to put your words on paper, but you gave us a generous gift that we will be using towards our next adoption! THANK YOU!

I am thankful for these sweet reminders of how amazing our God is and how He is using us daily! I'm thankful for the journey, and for this beautiful baby that He has given to us. She is truly remarkable and I couldn't feel anymore blessed than I do right now.

Thank you again Allison for your sweet card and gift(s)!

Until then... Happy Mother's Day to all of you! And for those who are so eagerly waiting the moment when you can be a mom, know that God is writing your story at this very moment. Your day is coming and oh how beautiful it WILL be! Trust in the Lord, and His timing! I promise it IS all worth it in the end!

Until then, Brantley