Wish I would have known you were coming....

Up until now, this little blog of mine has just been sitting quietly in my little corner of the world. For some odd reason that I can not figure out, I have been getting a ton of traffic. It's like I'm having a party and didn't know it. And that's a bummer because I could have had some Spam sandwiches ready for you. Have you ever had them? Well, don't. Digressing. Anyway... Can someone help me out and let me know how you found me? Somebody? Anybody out there?? Bueller, Bueller...

I wish I would've known you were coming, because I would've written something funny. Really funny. Seriously, I would have. Cuz' I'm brilliant that way. Please say Hi!

for the orphan and widow...

I'm excited about a little project Chad and I have been working on. We are slowly starting a little company called "Avenue 17". It's actually an official LLC, {hooray!!} but there are still just so many details to be worked out!

The meaning behind the name comes from Isaiah 1:17 where it says, "Learn to do good. Seek Justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows." The purpose of the company is to use the profits to give back to orphan or widow ministries that God directs us to. Currently, we are raising money to provide new bedding for orphans in Burma via Women At Risk, Int {the organization I've written about many times}.

I've made blank 5x5 note cards from images I have taken, in order to raise this money. Right now, I am working on several new lines of cards. They are press printed on a heavy cardstock and come with envelopes. We are currently looking into places where we might be able to sell them. If you have any ideas, let me know!

Here are some that I've done so far:









At this time, you can purchase them through our etsy store at http://www.avenue17.etsy.com/. You can also contact us at avenue17@live.com. I am selling them in sets, but will be offering them individually as well.

Where I've Been

Well, I've just about fallen off the world of blogging! There is good reason though! I kicked off my photography business and it has kept me flyin'! You can find my page on Facebook if you go here. You can also find my photography site here. I may close this blog down in the near future, but before I do, I have a couple posts that need to be written. So, I'll be back for a visit in January! See you then...and thanks for not giving up on me!

I have not been very good at updating my blog lately. I'm not ready to let it go as I still have a few things that I know God wants me to share, so for now, I am only going to plan on updating it once a month.

One of the main reasons for less "free" time, is the launch of my little photography business. If you'd like to check out my site, you can find it at www.morethanwordsphotographybytammi.blogspot.com .

Checkin' in!

Thanks to the faithful who have stood by me during my loooong absence. THANK YOU especially to those who have been on your knees for my friend and her sweet family. {She would like me to convey her thanks as well}. I feel bad about not updating you all about this sooner. God heard our prayers and the situation has miraculously calmed down!!! They do still have to be very cautious about some things. If God ever brings them to mind, please keep praying. I am sorry to be vague, I just don't want to cause any trouble for her. However, if you are interested in further details, you can contact me via email and I can give you more details to pray about.



Back to my absence...between the needs of my family, usual life and starting a little business, I just haven't had much time for blogging. I do love it, but am trying to decide whether I should stop for awhile, post less, or what. Any input would be appreciated. It's just hard to juggle it all. Can any of you relate?



I am excited to "debut" my logo for my photography business. I am busy working on a blog for that, so I will let you know when it is up and running. So here's my little logo: {it was actually designed by someone I found on Etsy! The picture is of my little Ellie :) }











I also wanted to mention that the Thailand Circle Tour for 2010 is active! God is not sending me this year, but maybe He wants you to go!!!?? Please go here to learn more, or contact me. {You know I love talking about it! ;) }



Love you all!

Could you help?

Hi friends,

I know I've been scarce lately. Just much happening in my life in the last month and I hope to share some of it with you. Some of it has been very difficult.

One exciting area is that I am working on making my little photography business "official" ~ logo, blog, business cards, etc. It's time consuming and challenging as I want to make sure I keep my family in the proper place in my life.

Can I ask for your prayers? So many of you prayed so faithfully for me when I was on my trip to Thailand. I have a friend who needs prayers of protection for her and her family.

On the trip I made friends with a young woman who lives across the ocean and employs and ministers to women who are at risk of or have been trafficked. She and her family (husband and two very young children) are being persecuted for their faith and their very lives are in danger. I can not go into details for security reasons, but please, please stop now for a moment and lift her, her family, and those they minister to, to the Lord. And on July 4, when we are celebrating the freedom we have, please pray again for her, and for the many around the globe who face unbelievable persecution. Thanks, I knew I could count on you.

Fit for a king

The kids were busy this weekend planning a surprise for Chad for Father's Day. They decided that they wanted to treat Daddy like a king. It was pretty cute! Here's what his "kingly" experience included:

A little homemade book, a mint, some pretend, hand drawn chips and drink all served on the finest china by Fisher-Price. They also made him a crown that you'll see below.




A red "carpet" that he walked on to get to his throne... As he walked on it, Ellie threw little pieces of confetti that she made!

A fan that read "you are the best"

The fans were used by his servants to keep him cool...notice the little sucker they gave him to eat!

A favorite treat...a rootbeer float

A picture with his subjects... :)