La Vita E Bella

Cupcake Extravaganza

to celebrate Olivia turning 1!!! Her birthday isn't for a few more days (3/5), but I wanted some printed up for the day :) You must see the few I have posted. They are crazy adorable. Enjoy!! 

*More Photos Here

Lucas is Famous!

.....atleast in a college classroom somewhere.

A college student by the name of Devi was searching Flickr for photos to use in an advertising assignment. She wrote me and asked if she could use a photo I took of Lucas this past summer for her "faux" Dunkin' Doughnuts ad. Ofcourse I agreed, and this is what she came up with. How freaking cute?!? I love it. She also used one of his in the bath for a faux Johnsons and Johnsons advertisement. It happens to be my favorite.

Thought I'd share his 30 seconds of fame with you :)

Love,
The Proud Mommy!

Some Thoughts

 
I'm stealing away a few moments to update my blog. I'm so sorry for the delays in between my posts. Although I spend a good 2 hours a day at my computer - I find that a majority of my time is spent selling dresses on Ebay, proofing photos, working on photography stuff, or catching up on everyone elses blogs. I'm hoping the more my life becomes organized, the more I'll sit down the write. Maybe that's just wishful thinking though. Life in our household is pretty crazy since Trei got a real, full-time job! What an answer to prayers it was. So on top of his position as the kids pastor at our church (where he is required three nights a week), he is working full-time. Which means we don't see as much of eachother as we used to. It also means I don't have the extra time to invest in the things I was used to with Trei being home as often. However, there is something very nice about routine. Knowing what to expect throughout the week and making a plan. I think I like making plans more than I thought. Although Trei's job is so exciting, I still have to bring in $1000 a month. This will allow us to stay in our home, pay for the essentials, and put money away (or maybe spend a little on ourselves). The thought of having some padding, as opposed to living paycheck to paycheck (like we have for entirely too long) is a refreshing idea. I wish I could say that selling wedding dresses and photography was making those ends meet.....right now, it's not. And although I am trusting that God will change that - I have to seek something outside the home. I'm applying to roughly 5 or 6 places a day. Thus far, I've had no bites. But I'm feeling optimistic. When God wants me to have a job, I'll have one. And for now, He knows our needs. He will fulfill them. So I'm staying faithful is working hard and know that He has it all figured out for me. Whether it's a part-time job in an office somewhere, or he supplies photography business. It will all work out. As I've been learning a lot lately....I'm trusting in my God.

That's all :)

Me

Happy Birthday Dad

The kids and I recorded a "Happy Birthday" video for my dad and posted it on his facebook today. I thought it was so cute I'd post it here too. Enjoy :)

Happy Birthday Grandpa!!! from Melissa Vossler on Vimeo.

The Sweetest Thing

is watching Lucas and Olivia play and interact and make eachother laugh. Today was a good day. I played with my kids, got my house nice and clean and did every stitch of laundry. I made a plan, and I'm feeling positive, and excited, and ready for whatever comes my way.

Days like this remind me just how sweet life really is.

Remembering What's Important

I'm not sure where to start. My heart and mind are overflowing with emotions that I can't seem to tack down. I've realized that grasping an understanding of God, and life, and love is far more difficult than it seems. The past few weeks have felt like a neverending rollercoaster. Filled with ups and downs and loops and quick turns. There are moments of peace and clarity - but only when we force ourselves to poke our heads out of the suffocating chaos and remember that God is in control. It's so easy to get sucked in. To allow the devil to pull you into the confusion and fear - and to take away your joy. I feel like I've really been battling him. I feel like satan is at my doorstep just waiting to strip away from me any joy. I am constantly conversing with God. Drowning myself in His word. Trying to keep myself from believing the lies. The future is so uncertain, and I'm struggling to replace fear with faith.

Just as I was asking God for balanced perspective.....

Me

 
I took this picture of myself this afternoon. I don't have enough of myself - and the ones I do have I'm generally holding a baby and look more frazzled than fabulous. Out of pure vanity, and a little curiosity - I wanted to snap some shots of myself just to see if there was some beauty left. My husband can tell me there is. My family and friends can tell me there is. But there are days I just don't see it. I feel less then perfect. Less than beautiful. Just kind of less. I don't think I give my self enough credit. Constantly aiming for an image that just isn't realistic. Trying to keep up with the Joneses. Struggling to find out who exactly Melissa Vossler is - and then struggling to be content with the answer. This new year has brought with it, a huge desire for change. Mostly internal. Bettering who I am. Allowing God to mold and shape me. Discovering parts of myself that I've never fully allowed to live - while allowing the parts of myself which are selfish, self centered, broken and bruised to die away. Seeing beyond my external appearance and finding the truest of beauty. The beauty that lies in my heart. I'm slowly realizing that there is so much more to me. So much for the world to see. So much more for me to give to those that I love. To give to myself. Finding a balance in most every aspect of my life. Understanding my limits while rising up and making a difference. Even if just for myself. I have so much left to learn. So much still to grasp hold to. Looking for the things that matter. Diving head first into a relationship with a Lord who loves me for me. Finding out that despite my shortcomings, I really am a wonderful wife and incredible mother. I feel like I'm starting to see myself more clearly. And I realize I'm not less. I'm more. and More is good. God is good.