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Sunday, July 6, 2014

Scenes from the 4th.

Last week, Sean and I were given news that shook our cores. I was told while at work and I completely broke down at my desk. It is a hard pill to swallow but we're looking up and praying and knowing that we serve an awesome God and He can do all things. Although, I'm not yet ready to share the news, this weekend really made it easy to see just how much we have to be grateful for.

Every year that I've been with Sean (minus one year), I've celebrated the 4th with my in-laws. This year, Sean reached out to a lot of his family members and a few friends and invited them to our 4th of July celebration. Growing up, since my parents are from Ghana we didn't have extended family gatherings. It was just me, my parents and my sisters. And now, it's just so amazing to me to have nieces and nephews who call me Auntie. To see all the cousins just hanging out and having the best time together made me thrilled. My sister, Priscilla, use to live in Albany so she would often attend a lot of these gatherings with me but when she moved it stopped. Sean invited her (and up to the day before I still wasn't sure she was going to come) and I was so, so happy when her car pulled up to our campsite. Best feeling ever!

The day was just perfect and I believe it is because family gatherings make me the happiest. And I often want to freeze certain moments which is why I believe I take as many pictures as I do. I want to remember every detail, every moment and when I look back at the pictures I can remember the feelings that day. I took too many pictures (no surprise there!) so I'm thinking I'll break down this post into two just not to overwhelm you all.

I pray and thank God for my family by blood and my family by marriage, every single day.



We drove to my in-laws Thursday after work and that drive was pretty scary.
The storm was insane and we couldn't even see while we drove.
When it finally began to clear, the sun and then a rainbow greeted us.

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My in-laws were suppose to stay at the campsite Thursday evening but because of the storm, electricity was knocked out
and basically the campsite was a muddy mess.

So we headed to the campsite Friday at 10am in hopes that the campsite was not a disaster.
A little muddy (oh and still no electricity!) but nothing we could not handle and it turned out to be a beautiful day.

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I attempted to be all festive with my cake baking. I did two vanilla layers and in the middle I placed red frosting. Well, the red frosting spilled over onto the bottom layer and I ended up having pink frosting. #FAIL! Oh and then on the drive over the cake toppled over (in its container) and I was sure that it was a sign that we shouldn't have my cake. Well, in the end it didn't look that bad (just some frosting missing on top) and tasted great.

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The campsite is absolutely stunning.
As you will see, I could not stop taking pictures of the view.

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Yes, I agree.
It's time to start adding some pictures of my niece and nephews.


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My sister and nephew are here!
Not sure why he looks so "thrilled" here.
And then so excited.

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My sister calls him dramatical.
He so is!

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OK, I'll stop here.
I agree that it is a bit much.

I hope that you all enjoyed the long holiday!

40 comments:

  1. Looks like a great weekend filled with love and smiles! So sorry to hear that you are having a rough time. You are correct in that we serve an awesome God and He is at your side, always.

    PS - My husband's family is from Ghana!

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  2. I am so happy to had a fun weekend with your family. I dont know what is weighing so heavy in your heart, but I am praying for you :)

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  3. looks like you had a great time with family... so sorry to hear about the hard news, sending my hugs!

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  4. Your nephews an nieces are so cute, I love all the photographs you took. The cake story is mildly funny, we had a similar issue with Dominic's birthday cake last year ;). I'm sure it could have looked completely crazy and people would have still ate it.

    Sorry about the heavy news :( (hug)

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  5. I always love all your pics! So much happiness!

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  6. Beautiful family. The kids are just adorable.

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  7. Looks like the perfect holiday weekend in my eyes! I agree 100% that family time is my favorite (especially with the adorable little ones)! Loved all your pictures, and that campsite looks so inviting (never would've imagined saying that...TX isn't exactly the best state for camping in the summer, haha).

    So sorry about the news, Faith. I'm lifting you and Sean up in my prayers!!

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  8. Gorgeous pictures. Nothing like being with family...

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  9. Hugs to you. Know that we're all praying for you.

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  10. What a fun thing to do for the 4th-and doing it with family is priceless. I haven't been camping in sooooo long!! Sorry you got some bad news. I hope whatever it is that you are dealing with gets easier to deal with.

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  11. The storms are so crazy. Happy you still had a great trip. The pics are great!

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  12. Adore your pics and praying for your strenght.

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  13. So sorry to hear about the heavy news. Praying for you.
    Your pictures are stunning - per the norm. That campsite looks absolutely amazing!

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  14. Oh no!! You guys can't catch a break. I'm so sorry :(

    Your 4th weekend looked amazing. I think camping sounds like the best 4th of July event. Glad your sister was able to make it!

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  15. I know you'll tell us in due time whats going on but I'm sending warm thoughts your way.

    I miss camping so much. It's so great that you got to do it!

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  16. Looks like you had such a fun holiday! :)

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  17. Looks like so much fun! Gorgeous views, and I think the cake is adorable! I like the pink touch. :)

    I hope that everything is ok my sweet friend! You know I'm here for you if you need me!

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  18. I am so sorry to hear of the disappointing news you received, I will be thinking of you and Sean! All of your photos were so vibrant and full of fun - that cake looked absolutely delicious by the way xo

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  19. I'm sending all of my positive thoughts your way! Hoping you'll eventually find peace. :)

    On a lighter note, your family photos look SO wonderful!!! How lucky you are to have such a happy and loving family! The photos really convey a wonderful time!!! :)

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  20. Sorry to hear that you have some heavy stuff going on. Glad you could be with family. You look so fab with your red lipstick, what is it? Beautiful photos lady, your hair looks soo good do you twist it every night? Much love to you and Sean, thinking of you!

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  21. looks like an amazing 4th of July! camping is literally the best!
    xo Jessica
    www.NewlyLoved.com

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  22. What a beautiful post! Life is a celebration and I'm glad to see you're living it to the fullest! Get it girl!

    Thank you for visiting my blog doll, would love to get your thoughts on my latest!

    xo-Julie
    Peace. Love. LOL!

    Haute Khuuture Blog

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  23. Faith - I hope the news that shook you to the core was not too extreme. What a great recap of your 4th, I just love to see all the happy faces. Your niece and nephews are so grown now. I love your dramatic nephew, he reminds me of my first son, so dramatic. One minute he is upset and the next he is super excited.

    Happy 4th of July. Please feel free to overwhelm me with pics of your gorgeous family ;).

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  24. annnnd, now i wanna go camping.
    this looks like a 4th well spent!
    as always, great photography!

    :)
    vanessa
    grace-and-gratitude.blogspot.com

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  25. I'm so sorry to hear you're going through some tough things right now. You'll be in my prayers. Glad to see you got to spend a fun weekend with the family!

    http://kacieskloset.blogspot.com/

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  26. Sending you hugs...life is just inexplicable sometimes but like you said we serve an awesome God who is bigger than any of our devastations! Glad you were able to get away and enjoy some RR and it looks like the place was beautiful...the rainbow pic is so resounding!!

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  27. you look so glamourous while camping! I pray that things look up for you, praying for your situation because I know God can heal it xoxo

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  28. Fun + Family + Food = Awesome weekend

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  29. I got on my knees and prayed for you after your first paragraph. You are so loved, Faith!

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  30. *hugs* I pray that you are strengthened during this time.

    Amazing photos. Looks like too much fun was had but hey, I don't blame y'all. Family is everything =)

    xoxo
    Eesh | The Other Side of Paradise

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  31. Such beautiful pictures; I especially loved the one of the rainbow. Your nephews, nieces and sister are all so cute and I never knew your parents are originally from Ghana until now. That's so awesome.

    I hope you feel better about the news and do not be pressured to share until you are really ready.

    Have a great weekend my friend.

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  32. God will see you through this rough time in your life. I am glad you had some distractions and fun this weekend. We have a big 4th party at my house every year since my hubby and I purchased our home. I look forward to it every year.

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  33. Looks like a beautiful time! I am praying for you, girlfriend. We do serve an awesome God and he will bring you through! He is always there! Love you & you will be in my thoughts and prayers!

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  34. Hi Faith, the pictures are beautiful. You captured the moments so well.
    Not sure of what your are going through but I'll be praying for you. Glad you have an awesome family on both sides to lean on.

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  35. I hope you are okay. You're in my thoughts. <3

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  36. It is GORGEOUS there! So green! Your niece and nephew are precious. I'm glad you had a fun time with family, y'all definitely deserved it!

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  37. FYI my mom loved meeting Zack at the benefit! She thought he was the cutest, funniest little guy ever!!

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