After the pumpkin patch, we headed to Morning Glory in Ashland. (My favorite breakfast place.)
Annie's too.
Actually, I think it might be everyone's favorite.
I've never played Angry Birds before, but apparently all of my kids have.
And then Roscoe-T drove us to the park.
I'm in love with that pretty little moment.
And then per Ross's request, we went to Barnes & Nobles (or as Annie calls it, Barnes & Nobo's.)
I actually don't think I've ever shot in Barns & Nobo's before (and it was quite fun.)
And someone asked where I got Coley's blue and gray striped shirt...Got it from Old Navy just a couple of days ago.
And if you're reading this Josh Downs...Turns out that I didn't need to worry myself trying to come up with option #4 after all because God was already working on option #4 for me and he decided to share it while I was reading this morning:
For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Hello!!! I love this post (and all of them - let's be honest). I just got a Nikon D5100 (my first DSLR) and am now looking at lenses. Can I ask what lens you were using for these?
Posted by: Becky H | October 12, 2011 at 12:49 PM
Love that verse, so often we get lost in our troubles and forget about Him, thanks for sharing it was just what I needed tonight.
Posted by: rach | October 12, 2011 at 01:06 PM
Amen, Sister.
Posted by: Deanna | October 12, 2011 at 01:07 PM
Great post! God is at work through you and your beautiful family!
Posted by: Lindsay | October 12, 2011 at 01:28 PM
beautiful pictures. and can I just say, I so needed to read that last part. we are having some very tough times here, and that spoke to me like nothing else. thank you.
Posted by: allison | October 12, 2011 at 02:17 PM
Zoh my goodness, Karen ... I am reading "Son of Neptune" right now. Is Coley reading the series? "Son of Neptune" is pretty dang fantastic so far - almost done w/ it. :)
Posted by: Meagan Davenport | October 12, 2011 at 02:17 PM
i am cracking up because i just recently learned of ross's total infactuation with twilight...not sure why i find it funny? but i do:) isn't it amazing how the Lord gives You what you simply hadn't asked for yet? <3 blessings.
Posted by: mandy friend | October 12, 2011 at 02:29 PM
I was wondering what lens you used in the bookstore too, and how you manage to get good shots of your kids in public vs. "Mommmmm...."?
Posted by: Julie | October 12, 2011 at 02:31 PM
Ross is so funny. I'm glad he's there for you, Nellie. And It's funny how God gives us just the perfect scripture when we're troubled, as if to say, "I've got this...no worries." HE'S always there for you too! :)
And you too, Josh Downs! God has never left your side since you left home!!! Thank You for the sacrifice your making for your family and your country!!! Hope it's not too bad over there.
Posted by: kat-in-texas | October 12, 2011 at 02:55 PM
Isn't that just like God to already be working on option #4 before we even realize we needed it? I'm so inspired by how you and your family are dealing with Josh Downs' deployment. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I look forward to every.single.one. of your posts.
ps - Ross is such a great big brother, and you're a good mom. :)
Posted by: Stacy | October 12, 2011 at 02:56 PM
I love the Ross still hangs out with the kids!
Did you ask permission to shoot in the store? I've always wanted to do that, but have been too scared.
Posted by: Kelli | October 12, 2011 at 03:21 PM
love the pics in Barnes and nobo :) can you post again what you use to set your custom white balance???
Posted by: gretchen | October 12, 2011 at 03:42 PM
Wonderful verse... thank you. :) Going to Barnes & Nobles was such a big deal to me growing up. We weren't able to do it often, but it was such a gift!
Posted by: Lacey | October 12, 2011 at 04:08 PM
That is your favorite place! You were in front of me on line Mother's Day...
It's my fav too, and I always take company from out of town there.
Posted by: Janie La Pierre | October 12, 2011 at 04:55 PM
I LOVE your blog and spent the last week scrolling through every last post... Stalker, I know! And I love your little blended goWageous family! I so wanna take ur class... I have a photography business and I lve it but I am so interested in mastering everyday pics and yours are the best!!!
The worst part about spending hours reading previous post after previous post is that when you're done you have to wait a whole day for a new one...lol
Posted by: Syreena | October 12, 2011 at 05:35 PM
Love the BN pics!! Ross cracks me up...so nice to see that my "adult" children aren't the only ones who do anything but smile for pictures. LOL!
BTW awesome verse !!
Posted by: Tracy | October 12, 2011 at 06:02 PM
Treasures......of gold! Your children, your family, your talent, and you!
Posted by: janel | October 12, 2011 at 07:31 PM
I just think that Courtney is such a pretty dark haired girl - a couple of the single shots are really amazing. All the kids are cute at different times and Courtney just looks so sweet.
Posted by: Peggy | October 12, 2011 at 08:30 PM
I am certain your Josh Downs adores seeing this family outing, probably makes his heart sing so many miles away. And we all are grateful for his service and for both of your sacrifices. Love that closeup of Courtney and her dark eyes...were you shooting that one from the ground looking up?
Also, straight up made my day when you left a comment today...maybe my entire year!
Posted by: Lisa G | October 12, 2011 at 09:24 PM
Gorgeous photos as always of course. LoveLoveLove that scripture. We all need to be reminded of that, so thanks alot for sharing! :)
Posted by: Lauren | October 12, 2011 at 10:34 PM
You have NO idea how much I needed that scripture today. Thank you for posting it!
Posted by: FeFe | October 13, 2011 at 07:47 AM
Love the pictures and the scripture. I actually have that scripture on my desk to look at everyday to balance me out when things get rough.
Posted by: Crystal | October 13, 2011 at 07:59 AM
What a powerful scripture. God knows what He is doing. We just forget that sometimes.
Posted by: cinback | October 13, 2011 at 08:11 AM
I'm going to guess that Mr. Ross is the coolest big bro ever. That's what I see clearly coming through your pictures.
Posted by: JillT | October 13, 2011 at 10:08 AM
love the bookstore photos--especially the ones of the Dr. Suess books---they are my all time favorite--
and my son has that same winnie the pooh book that Annie chose
Posted by: {vicki} | October 13, 2011 at 11:11 AM
#1. Thanks for the scripture. It's exactly what I needed to hear tonight! #2. Courtney Lee has the most beautiful eyes!
Posted by: katemeri | October 13, 2011 at 06:59 PM
I think it's so cool that Ross still hangs out with all of you!! Perfect timing for posting this verse...I needed to read these words today!
Posted by: ♥ Debbie | October 13, 2011 at 07:18 PM
karen...your posts make my day! i think that you are just about the coolest girl ever!
Posted by: dawn | October 14, 2011 at 09:04 AM
One of the greatest gifts that followers of Jesus Christ are given is that of perspective. It's such a tremendous thing we have to know that this isn't all there is and that what we endure here and now will work for us and our eternal gain. We just have to stay in the Scriptures and on our knees so that we don't forget. The gospel of Jesus Christ can reach deeply into every area of our life, not just the one we look forward to with hope.
Posted by: Carmen King | October 14, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Great verse Karen - We have a verse a week written on a chalkboard in our toilet - that one I think may be next weeks!
This week is "why do you call me Lord lord and do not do what I say" Luke 6:46
Posted by: sheena | October 14, 2011 at 02:34 PM
Great day ))))) such perfectly bright and colourful picures))))
Posted by: gemma | October 18, 2011 at 01:51 AM
I sure needed that scripture this morning and I am going to share it with my ladies group tonight at church!
Posted by: jersey Girl Anne | October 18, 2011 at 03:16 PM