FRIEND!

Ok, first of all I am writing this post from a freaking plane...what??? Completely blows my mind. But this post is dedicated to my dear friend who I am going to visit in Oregon because, are you ready...she's getting married!! It's funny to think back on the people you meet and how far you've come since those first moments. Katie was the girl who came to my dorm room the night before first day of class freshman year and brought me a gift basket and card, who organized theme days for cross country, and who turns out became one of my best friends. I'm so excited for you Katie, and am honored to be your friend and to stand up for you on your special day.

Littles

If I could describe this summer in one word it would be KIDS. They are a joy a hand full and at times purely entertaining. Oh and one more thing, they love to have their picture taken!






Favorite camper. Future male model?


I love the parachute, so whimsical and summery


Little Rocco, please just look at those eyes
I am so blessed by my job and the wonderful "littles" I get to work with. Thank you for making my summer shine.

New and Old

Something that i've been enjoying this summer is creating new friendships. Lately, i've been hesitant to do this because I'm so self conscious about myself and how someone will perceive me; I worry whether I will be able to hold a conversation with someone, I dread the awkward moments. But this summer i've been blessed with an abundance of new friends and the renewal of old relationships. Although i've truly enjoyed my alone time and have felt restored as a result of it I have also cherished the new insight i've enjoyed from new friendships. Thank you Jesus for your people and for the need for relationship you have blessed us all with.

And Alison wins the award for never ending ability to make me laugh and smile :)

Hayls, so blessed by her.

3/5 of Twice

Lauren! Beautiful person, inside and out. Looking forward to rooming with her this year so much!


Fellow camp counselors, i've been blessed with the best job ever.

Kendra and Roxanne with our incredible oatmeal pnut butter cake!!

hit me hard...

Maybe redemption has stories to tell
Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell
Where can you run to escape from yourself?
Where you gonna go?
Where you gonna go?
Salvation is here

And I find peace
When I'm confused
I find hope when
I'm let down
Not in me
But in You

I hope to lose myself
For good
I hope to find it in the end
Not in me
It's You
It's all I know

A Tourist in My Own City

Sometimes I forget the beauty of the place I call home. Honestly, where else can you run along the beach lined with palm trees, gaze out at the ocean, and turn your head 180 degrees only to find a beautiful mountain range lined with white pristine mansions? I'm pretty darn lucky and I often fail to recognize it. Yesterday I had an "Angie afternoon", I spent a couple hours walking along coast village road, stopping in boutiques, sitting at Jeannines Bakery with a coffee and slice of zucchini bread...and it was glorious. I took my camera along and snapped a few shots, very amateur, but hey I'm working on it :)

Cute little kiddie clothes! Granted they were extremely overpriced. Regardless my kids are gonna be the most stylish tots around :)

I feel refreshed just looking at this picture!

This couple was so cute, they sat there in silence most of the time enjoying tea and salads. I often feel the need to always be talking to someone when i'm with them, but I need learn the value and beauty of silence.

Starbucks...my happy juice

Artsy? Probably not...i tried!

I've been trying to live by the wisdom of His book

Heading South for the...weekend

This weekend I had the opportunity to head South and visit some friends in Orange County and San Diego! We had such a great time catching up and I had a blast shooting some pictures with my camera.
Here's a few favorites from the trip:

Christmas in July

Why is it that as we grow older the little things in life lose their luster? I mean, I'm only 19, but because my job forces me to be around little kids all day i forget how exciting the little things used to be. It's incredible to me the amount of joy a green popsicle, or a ladybug, or merely a hug can bring little ones.
Well, this week I experienced a small piece of that joy, I call it my Christmas in July. On Thursday my baby was delivered...on my front door step, by mail, don't worry it's not that time yet mom :). My baby Nikon d3000 arrived and I was like a giddy 6 year old waiting to open presents on Christmas morning. Ever since it arrived i've caught this disease that causes me to experience the symptom of obsessive photographing. I literally want to take pictures of everything and my friends roll their eyes at me as I pause to snap a quick picture of the cupcake perched on the tiered plate display, but I don't care because, well, it's just so much fun! I really have no clue what I'm doing, but I'm learning, and hopefully that learning will turn into knowing and my little Nikon d3000 will be used the way it was meant to be.
Here's a few snapshots of my weekend seen through a new lens:

A Different Kind of Independence Day

4 years ago today, I still can't believe it. Sometimes her memory fades and her presence no longer seems entirely real, still at this time every year we look at her pictures, listen to recordings of her sweet voice, share stories and silly anecdotes and it is clear beyond a doubt that she was very much alive, perhaps more alive than some of us. What a beautiful reminder of truly trusting in God, being thankful in all situations, and loving and witnessing to others despite the difficulties of life. Missing you especially today Alyssa and so thankful that you were in my life. Say hi to Jesus and enjoy your Independence dancing and singing with the angels basking in the joy and presence of our God.