My other babies

Don't know what I'd do without these two sweet babes!

I heart them!!

and, I've got plans to make them a big sister and brother sometime next year, Lord Willing....

Hello Sunshine! :)

Point and Shoot Recap Part 3: Our day trip

Last month we took a day trip to the creation museum and Ikea. I was reminded of how much we enjoy road trips, especially with a DVD player in the backseat of the car for our kids.

The dinosaurs were epic. You would have thought Georgia found the land of chocolate, she was so excited. Her volume kept getting louder and louder as she saw more dinosaurs.

and as always, we enjoyed all the time with Jeff!

and we had a car picnic... We're big fans of car picnics. I think they would have every meal like this if they could.

And we were in love :)

And, we saw a truck named after us...

And we tired our kids out at Ikea... That place is insane, they were insane, we ran through almost the whole store which was insane, and I think we nearly got kicked out for it! The risk was worth it though.... They slept most of the way home!

Point and Shoot Recap part 2:

For some reason, my boy is not a fan of gum and all that is associated with it; such as popping, chewing, holding, etc. He is curious however... Fearfully curious. I caught his reaction on film a few weeks ago and man O man... Every time I watch it I can't help but crack up. Enjoy.

Dear Jonas Peterson,

I so enjoy you. You are creative, out of the box, eclectic, and I don't feel like I am going to die of boredom when I look at your wedding photos. Thank you. I follow a lot of wedding photo blogs and man, if I see one more dress shot where the dress is hanging on something in a window I may just throw up. Thanks for finding an artistic - delicate - whimsey - emotional - surreal way to capture such an extraordinary event. I heart your talent and your heart concerning your craft. Keep on snappin' brew!

Rachel

Georgia Girl and Hank the Tank

Are rocking my world these days! They've entered a whole new realm of coolness and I am so glad I have a front row seat. Happy Saturday.

Basement Project Part II

I first must start this post by saying that Jeff and I have some pretty amazing parents!! If you combined both sides - Jeff's and my parents - the possibilities of what you could accomplish in life are endless. Jeff's dad is like a walking know it all - and I mean that as purely as it sounds; the guy really knows how to do everything! He framed the basement and put all the electrical in and when the inspector came, he had a hard time believing Dan wasn't a contractor. His trade was firefighting not framing. And Mama Marshman.... She is the work horse of the family, always ready to do and be where ever she is needed. Jeff and I are overwhelmed with all that they have done in our basement and are so excited to utilize the space. So without further delay, here is the next phase of the basement project. We''ll call this the carpet phase. Next on the list is painting - if we can decide on a color.

The door on the left is the laundry room ---> the door on the right is the storage closet/potential loo for the next owner of the house if they choose to put one in.

The stairs up to the main level ---> the blue we like but aren't sure about.

My morning drive

I awoke this morning after nine hours of beautiful sleep, with a strong desire to go on a drive. But not in Kentucky!! It's beautiful and all - but it can't compare with what I was picturing in my head. There is this road in San Diego near Point Loma that is high up on a cliff overlooking the ocean. It is so beautiful and from the height of the road you can catch the most glorious glimpse of how vast the ocean is. Narnia is playing - Voyage of the dawn treader because that is my favorite book in the series - and we've just eaten hamburgers and fries from Hodads. The sun is in the most perfect spot in the sky. My skin feels warm and salty from the beach air. I look over at Jeff and he has one of those grins on his face that he gets when he is over the moon happy. It is my most favorite look he makes. As the road winds around into this quaint neighborhood, we turn around and do it all over again.... much slower this time so that we can attempt to catch the breeze with our hands. I breath in really deep and feel that somehow - in that breath - I have taken a hold of heaven. I let the breath out and look back over at Jeff - still grinning ear to ear. Man, I love my life!

I am so grateful for the wonderful power of memories - they're kind of like comfort food when you are far from home. The food enables you to be just one step closer even though in reality, you are thousands of miles away. God is so wise!

Tank's Most EPIC Breakdown

Tank usually loves this swing. He gets on there with Georgia and has a blast. For some reason however - out of the blue - he had this insane, unexplainable emotional meltdown. A fit of rage you could say. I am just amazed at how tolerant my girl was as he threw his body into hers. If I were his big sister, he'd be on the ground doubled over because I just threw him by his head off of the swing... Thank you Lord for giving him such a patient, tolerant sister, and thank you Jeff for putting your DNA in her!! These photos are evidence of my DNA in Henry.

Enjoy the rage!

As you can see in his eyes, something is not quite right. I proceed to push them however, perhaps he is frustrated that he is not moving...

and then we move. and he let out this murderous scream, except it wasn't as though he was being victimized - he was set to victimize his sister. The scream was put in place to warn her.

She is not pleased with him getting closer and closer to her half of the swing. Nor is she pleased with his monstrous behavior.

then came the meltdown At which point she not only guarded her head, but also let herself go limp in an attempt to protect herself from any pain he may inflict upon her.

and down down down his melting went

.

and louder louder louder he got. All the while I am standing there - camera in hand - wondering what the hec he ate because this craziness came out of the blue!

and just kept going going going into that deep dark blue. And Georgia - just stayed perfectly still. She's not so keen on the deep dark blue!

then, about one minute after he snapped up off of her lifeless body - he chilled out and went on swinging and playing in the leaves. Seriously, the biggest mystery of the day.

Point and Shoot Recap part 1:

So a few days ago I emptied our little point and shoot camera of hundreds of little treasures that have been waiting on the memory card for months. For the next couple of weeks I am going to fill you in on what's been going on around here - through the perspective of our point and shoot. There were a ton of videos and some poor quality photos - but, great memories.

For today, I will present you with The Marshman Jam Session I:

Please enjoy the awesomeness of my daughter and her lyrical brilliance... and Jeff, for a funky chord progression.

I must add: the video is a little slow going, but hang tight - she does get her act together.

Marshman Jam Session ! from Rae Marshman on Vimeo.

My lovelies

She's really that lovely

and his teeth are really that awesome. He's got the smile to prove it.

and, he's breaking them in the only way he knows how:

5 teeth at a time baby!!

That's the way all the manly babies roll!

Jinky

Dear Jinky Art,

You are amazingly awesome! Your work blows my mind out of it's skull. I hope that one day I will capture life the way you do - bring the colors into life like you do - capture light the way that you do. You're amazing. Awesomely amazing. And, if you're ever in Louisville, I'd love to buy you coffee and then follow you around like a love sick puppy, and then make you photograph my family. (can you give us a deal because you're a little over our price range)

Your ardent fan,

Rachel Marshman.

One key to great photography: find someone brilliant and try to be like them! (Barb of Jinky Art is such a gal!) Maybe in a few years I can be as good as her?...

Ode to Henry

Dear Henry,

You are wild right now and learning boundaries. You are stubborn and determined and easily angered. But, we have soaked your life in prayer and are seeking the Lord diligently and are hopeful that the fruit of that faithfulness will turn these little things into a handsome man full of character, zeal, and passion for the Kingdom.

We love you. We love your silliness, your awesome dance moves, your attention to details, your desire to be helpful, your adoration of Georgia, your bravery, your massive smile that constantly lets our screams and giggles, your ferocious appetite, your desire for adventure and action, your determination, your jumping skills, your soccer skills, your sloppy kisses, your infatuation with bugs, your reaction to fake spiders, your big brown eyes, the big gap in between your two front teeth, your cute little words, especially, "no" and "help". (they are my favorite I think) We love you! All of you. And even though we are in a valley at the moment working it out - being consistent and focused on you minding us - our love is only intensifying and growing deeper! You are our first born son, and the jewel of this family - and together, with the help of Christ, we will grow from this and be better! Did I tell you that I loved you already?... Did I tell you that you are the handsomest-silliest boy I've ever beheld?... You are and we are so grateful to be a part of shaping your life.

Much Love,

Your Family

20 Years Ago

The Berlin Wall came tumbling down...

But, I can't help remembering 22 years ago when my dad spent a month smuggling bibles behind that iron curtain. And not just him - there was a whole group of them at the time who smuggled bibles, snuck Christians in and out into safety, brought aid, some were even imprisoned. What a remarkable thing to be a part of and the stories would blow you away!!!

Let us not take our freedom in Christ here in America for granted! Also, Let us not think that this is how it will always be either. While we freely go to church, talk about God, and share the gospel with those around us - there are others who are giving up their very life to do those simple things we find to be common place. They are torn from their families, abandoned, tortured, murdered, All because they believe and follow Jesus. They have counted the cost and decided whole heartedly that a life lived for Christ is more precious than their very blood.

Happy 20 years Berlin Wall and thank you to all the believers who went behind her many years ago to bring the great message of Hope and redemption to a lost people. Thank you to all of the Christians who still- to this day- are going secretly under heavy curtains and over tall walls in the name of Christ. I pray the Lord keeps you in his care, that you act in boldness, and that the hearts of the people would be soften and ready for the word of truth!

Ray Baby

Today I am listening to Ray Lamontagne while editing photos. As I listen I have a strong urge to be his back up singer.

I can just see it. A smokey bar - low lights - and Ray with his soft melodies and my rich-yet delicate harmonies....

It would be pretty awesome!

My harmonies. Not Ray

Hahaha....

Happy Weekend. It's November and 70 degrees here. I think the Lord may just be coming back soon :)