Change

This time of year brings a lot of change. If you know me, you know I detest change. I think it is because I feel like I am losing control over my life.

Here's a peek at my ever changing world...

The new school year has begun and summer is over.
A new graduate class is waiting for me...
The freedom I had over the summer has turned into a balancing of schedules again.
My time to devote to creativity has moved to the back burner.
Time with family is spent in between work, school, and various other activities.
And can I say-lesson plans, making lunches, and picking out the next days clothing! (if I could live in flip flops, jeans, and a t-shirt, I would be so happy!)

At this moment, I am promising something to myself. I will not lose myself this year. I will devote some time each week to explore the world around me and the beauty it holds. I will capture that beauty in pictures and share with my family and friends. I will continue to read for fun. I will sleep at night. These things will help me adjust to my world of never ending change.

Maybe this is one step in making change more bearable...

Pretty as a Picture

In North Carolina we have mountains, but nothing like these! How cool is it to be able to play in snow in the middle of summer? We had some breath-taking views while we were in Wyoming.

Summer is for Family

How sweet is it when you see generations of family connect? We went on a trip out to Kansas to visit the Ussery family. In addition to visiting in Kansas, we also ventured out to Wyoming...12 of us!

Here D sits with her Great Grandmother Scott.


Now, D is visiting with her Great Grandma Crout.

Dad Ussery sitting by the creek/river watching his kids/grandkids play in the cool water.

Grandma and Grant's turn to watch all the activity.

Pretty girl Bella poses for a picture.

The 12 of us, visiting the Ussery homestead of years past.

This is my favorite picture of Dakota and Ron standing in the mountains of Wyoming. Yes, that is snow on the mountains in July! There is nothing like a daddy-daughter connection!

Four of the "cousins" on the top of a rock in Wyoming.

Here's Grant, at peace with the world. I love when children are quiet observers of the world around them. Makes you wonder what they are thinking!

Nothing like a mommy-son moment. Pure love...

Fun in Kansas

Before I get to the family pictures from our trip and the beautiful shots of the scenery, I thought it would be fun to do some random pics of things we saw!

On the road back from Wyoming to Kansas, we were in the middle of Nebraska when we came to this sign. I cannot tell you how true it was!

I love old beat up cars sitting in a vacant lot. Something about it facinates me. All the history and stories it could tell...

Here's another one.

On our trip through Kansas, we stopped to get gas and lunch. There were sunflowers on the side of the road. I could not resist! I love the bright yellow flowers reaching for the sun.

And what would a trip to the midwest be without seeing corn?