The Spring Sessions: The Pruemers

This has been the year of eternal spring for me...hitting california, illinois, and michigan all in of their flowering goodness. 

We had a beautiful, sunny day to play in the park with the Pruemers. Last year, we did this shoot - it's so fun to see how the boys are growing up. They are sweet - even picked wildflowers for their mom completely unprompted by me! 

jen and kyle

My sister Jen may be one of the most fun people in the world to surprise. She is extremely oblivious to details and crazy dramatic in her reactions. When Jason and I flew in to surprise her for her engagement weekend, she did not let us down with a big show of screaming, crying and yelling "what is happening????" when we surprised her. It was great, especially because we thought she already knew we were coming. 

It's not every day you begin the acquisition of a new brother. Here he is, even letting me do a photo shoot and compliantly looking at pinterest for hours. We aren't quite sure he knows what he is getting into with our strange family....although I'm happy to say that he has the same weird sense of humor as me, which terrifies jen. 

love you both....so excited for you. 

thoughts on editing

Throughout the last few months I've been working on a few new writing projects. It's something I've talked about doing for a long time, and for the first time have had the mental space and time to pursue. There have been some high points and some low points, but things have fallen into place rather well for the amount of time and effort I have put into it.  

And I've learned a lot about letting my work be edited. I went to a writer's conference and pre-submitted a few chapters for a book project. It was slightly terrifying to let a professional read my words, my stories. As we stood in line to get back our manuscripts, I suddenly felt like I was a student again, waiting for a huge exam score - a little sweaty and hyper. 

One response was not-so great but the other was beyond encouraging. I found someone who understood what I was trying to accomplish. In less than thirty minutes, she gave me a new title and much needed clarity and direction. I knew I needed editing, but I didn't know how helpful it would be. 

I'm beginning to see how editing makes writing better - especially a good editor, one who understands you and is committed to seeing the project succeed. Not all opinions or edits are helpful, but some are incredibly valuable. The more I've let people interact with my words and my ideas, the more clear they have become. Even the critical opinions have helped me clarify my message and understand my weaknesses. It's been humbling to begin the process, and I know if my project continues, this initial editing will seem tiny in comparison to the major editing to come. 

I also think it is this way in relationships. We need to let people step in and "edit" our lives - to show us when we are wrong and to listen when they speak truth. It isn't easy to be on either end of these hard conversations. And not everyone's opinion is helpful, often people are mistaken. But when it is someone who knows us, believes in us and wants our good, we do well to listen to their feedback, to ask their opinions. They can see what we cannot. We are often too close to our own lives to see what is true. I'm learning - slowly by slowly, to let people into my writing and my life, to be part of the process. 

Grandma's Library: A Mother's Day Project in Liberia for our Mama

If you would have told my mom ten years ago that she would have 80+ kids in Liberia calling her grandma, she would have called you crazy. But here she is, with the kids who love her dearly. When I was there this fall, every time we would come to the orphanage, they would surround the car and yell at my parents "Grandma, grandpa, grandma, grandpa!!" We joke that they had to go abroad for grandkids since we haven't given them any in america yet. 

My mom loves reading and always has a book in her hand. For years, she has thought about how to provide the kids in Liberia more opportunities for reading. Last year, we pulled out all of the current books and discovered they were full of mildew and mold and many of them were outdated textbooks. We did get to give them their own Bibles, which they were so excited about! 

Because of Mama Kay's persistence, the plans are now in full swing for Grandma's library at two orphanages. She is so excited about this project and can't wait for the kids to have access to more books. (And she has no idea I am writing this blog and will be a little embarrassed I'm sure.) 

For Mother's Day this year, jen, jason and I are trying to raise the rest of the funds for the project. (we were going to make her handprint cards with paint, but decided she had enough of those). We think the best present would be for her to know her grandbabies have the opportunity to read. 

We need $3500 total and have over $1800 already raised, with the generous support of many people. There are also opportunities for sponsoring kids - there are only have 11 left who need sponsors! If you would like to help, email jackie at paperandskycrafts@gmail.com. 

 

the spring sessions: the wons

We found a few moments of sunshine in the chilly midwest spring and had a great time with the Wons. I knew June from college, where we spent the majority of our time together laughing. 

 I don't always get to see treats like these from my families....here is their last family photo - seemed like they need an update! I love the look on the little man's face. He is soooo thrilled to have his picture taken!!