hello there

Is this thing alive? Ah, yes it is. Very good.

So I've neglected my blog over the past several months, for various reasons. And I'd like to pick up that good ol' blogging habit again, for various reasons. The two "various reasons" may be connected or correlated in some fashion or another, but I'd prefer to study that in detail at a later date. But, one prominent reason I wanted to revive my blogging from its former lifeless form to its current semi-lifeless form is to bring back some literary-ness into my life. One thing that I'm beginning to realize about my past PHC classes is that I could freely write to my hearts content (or, more like freely write with the ghastly Due Date waiting with a Bad Grade at the ready).

And I miss all that writing.

Whether for good or for bad, but hopefully for the good. Writing about adventures abroad taken by Gulliver, or the trinitarian nature of the marriage covenant. Writing about communism, or how Descartes thought and therefore he was or so he thought.

In the past, my posts were largely picture-based, with the attempted witty or winsome tagline to follow. Not to say that such a post plot-line will change for the future, albeit rather have some variance in and out and all about. And besides, actual time given to my camera isn't as much as it used to be, largely because higher priorities have taken over (i.e., more intensive school) and more time is given to doing stuff around the house compared to what it previously was. And work, can't forget work. Though the future may provide more adventuresome opportunities and subsequent camera-ing, only the Lord knows for sure, and I'll assuredly be posting pictures. Or maybe post the occasional little story like I've done in the past. And then there's facebook or twitter, the social networking websites extraordinaire that *stops myself before ranting*. Maybe another time...

Oh, and I also found out recently we've Spanish blood in us...and largely aren't as Frenchy as I thought...more German/Spanish/French/Scottish/somethinglikethat. Researching the family tree...something else I'm wanting to do. Anybody got some spare time on hand that I can permanently borrow?

Yes, this post is pretty much me rambling, but take it or leave it; I can do no other. For tonight, at least.

My layout needs a redo. This grey is so...grey.

Adieu for now, and Lord bless.

rifle match '09

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...with a tad bit of commentary from yours truly.


the participants wait patiently for all those participating to present themselves...presently


we like our shoots with added style and technology...oh wait, none of the computers are Macs...


anticipating the competition...


...and avoiding the photographer


father and son ready themselves


most of the group is here


and the event commences!




Grace had fun with the Ryken ladies taking pictures in the back, lol...






gathering to see the official results


group shot!

the past few days

On Wednesday, Dad and Mom took off for a conference that Dad was speaking at down in Effingham, leaving the five of us kids at home to fend for ourselves...methinks we handled it pretty well. Just as long as we didn't eat all the sugar, everything was fine...

Unfortunately, pictures weren't taken during the day, but in the evening we all headed off to get our haircuts...


Naomi's really enjoys CoN


Ruth enjoys waving her hands


I enjoy not having to shave


Emil enjoys the ample leg room compared to the backseat


while Grace enjoys taking all these pictures


except for this one...


slowly the mane is depleted


I played with these toys when I was younger than their age...yes indeed...we've gone to the same person for over 15 years


the layers are proven


what can I say...even gas stations have their moments


Thursday the Barnhart's and Evans' came down for the evening...you'd be surprised how loud we became with the Last Word


the ladies discuss details


then the center of attention zooms to Jonas


Taylor is the epitome of guitar


the gathering for Scripture-reading and hymn-singing

Next up...the 2009 Rifle Match...

march experimental shoot

Last week some photographers of central IL had the pleasure of getting together to do what they do best...and a big ol' thank ye to David Price for organizing this event!

a few of the results...









then some behind-the-scene shots...









and there you have it...here's to once again having grand time at the next experimental shoot!

Blessings to y'all, dear readers of mine blog!

retrospection

Another couple of weeks, even more events. Unfortunately we were unable to attend this past weekend's Hymnsing/Singing seminar, but for good (?) reason! The last few days marked the end of the 2008 deer season, with the result being two dead deeries. Yes, unlike most things, we like our deer dead and not alive. ;) Other than that...a birthday/late-Christmas party...spending an evening with the Ryken's, and other general liveliness. Naturally, always more could be said, but it's been a quite the day and I'm ready for bed.

Now on to the part people enjoy best...

a party


t'was good to see family from afar once again


skeptical about...something? possibly?


bestowing words of wisdom by means of telepathy...see the concentration?


wisdom full in bloom...go for the presents!!!


wisdom solidified


the opening of Catchphrase


the blue book of [insert adjectival phrase here]


hehe...confusion occurs outside the picture frame


the sweet nectar of caribou coffee...an addict's best friend


*poof*

everyday life


the last word


pondering the next move


wait for it...wait for it...wait fo...


AAHHHH...PUSH THE BUTTON!!!!


more cuteness

another visitation


they grew about 2' overnight


silly girls...with more hiding behind the bed


productive young ladies


afar off and away, about 2 yards, a wall aim they upon


a perfect 32" x 78" doorframe results from the blast in a totally different place from the original aim


everyone wants to be last


totally seriously last


duae-familiae devotions

and I've one last picture to upload of the final farewells from the visit, but our fickle internet won't cooperate because of the snowy weather...oh well.

Blessings!