BrynMarae Photography

In April, we had family pictures taken on the Hoskinson side. My friend Bryndi, BrynMarae Photography, from high school took the pics and she did a great job! I would definitely suggest her if you are looking for a great photographer. She lives in Denver, CO but travels back to Cedar Falls and Des Moines every few months. 

We got some new family pics, some cute ones of the kids, and some great group shots. Now to decide which ones to order and hang in my house!

The sweet cousins

These two together= tons of fun and sometimes some trouble!

This shot captures my son- the joy he finds in "tractors!"

Mark's brother Matt and his family

Pictures with Grandpa Tom- we got some great ones with him in them

This is my favorite grandparent/grandkid pic! 

Happy moments with the Hoskinson fam! 

"Unexpected Love: God's Heart Revealed in Jesus' Conversations with Women"

"Unexpected Love:  God's Heart Revealed in Jesus' Conversations with Women" by Julie Zine Coleman was a great book. I appreciated the way writer and teacher Coleman walked through each chapter, sharing stories from scripture of Jesus and his interactions with women of the Bible. Each chapter begins with the scripture she is focusing on, talks through the story, goes into questions to help dig deeper, has a section to relate to today's woman, and ends with scripture/questions that can be used for going deeper on your own or Bible study. 

I found each chapter interesting to read. I loved reading the scripture and then having it explained from a historical/cultural standpoint and also having many of the questions that come up for me addressed. Sometimes when I read the Bible, I get discouraged or confused and don't dig deeper because I don't understand. I love how she walked through many of the questions that may come up when reading about the stories of Jesus and his interactions with women.

I also appreciated how she helps us to see in each chapter how the stories are relevant to woman today. I could relate to many of the women in the stories and it is hard to imagine being able to have the face to face interactions with Jesus the way many of these women did. I love to see and be reminded of his deep love and respect and encouragement of women.

I plan to use this book in the future in a number of ways. I can see it being a great re-read. Also, I see it being one I would go through and use as a resource to better study the scriptures she focuses on. I could also see using it as a Bible study resource for a group of women. Overall, a great book!

A season ending.....

 

I cannot begin to tell you what this year of preschool has done for Addelyn. She couldn't have been blessed with two better teachers for her personality. Jennie and Kristen both have unique strengths and I believe they really drew on Addelyn's strengths and weaknesses and helped her to be stretched but also feel safe and loved. They truly loved our little girl, helped her to grow in both social and academic ways, and also taught her about Jesus. I love the experience she had at Orchard Hill Church Preschool. Honestly, some people may assume I would say that or send her there just because it is where I work/we go to church. However, I looked at our options before deciding on OHC and I can say that I am so thankful this is where we landed.

 

 

On the last day, with Mrs. Kimball. Addelyn thought it was so cool to have a teacher that once babysat her (when she was younger). Kristen makes me smile- I love her honesty and the way she says it like it is and also just loves the kiddos.

 

 

By her coat rack, sad to think I won't get to walk her down the hall anymore to this sweet little spot. I loved that we got to have special time each day, just the two of us, as we would head to Orchard together- her to preschool, me to my office. It was great being in the same building- getting to have sneak peaks of her day all the time. I'll also miss her sweet little face, walking by my office and running in for a quick hug. The moments I'd love to pause in life....

 

Mrs. Knapp, Addelyn's head teacher and also the Director of the Preschool. She is amazing. This woman seriously loves each and every kid at preschool- I believe it. She pours her heart into this preschool and the families that are a part of it.

 

The last day in the classroom, as Mrs. Knapp reads a special story.

 

 

Singing their songs at the program on the last day.

 

Getting her hugs and her certificate!

 

 

Special love from Mom and Dad- proud of this girl and how she has grown.

 

This little buddy....I have been thankful for the friendship these two have. Don't you love his face in these pics? On the hard days, it was nice for them to have the familiar face of each other. I can only pray they will stay great buds like this into elementary school when boys and girls are gross to each other:)

 

 

What a beautiful ending to a special season. I can't believe my little girl is headed into her elementary days!