My photography “winter” is over…

So before my two littles came, I had a dream. A dream of growing a photography business. Not a booming, sole income, this is my money maker business. But rather, a “side job.” A business where I could use the passion God gave me for photography, to bless others. My goal was to provide affordable, quality, and personalized photography for all those who crossed my path.

However, two littles later, that dream some what vanished. Maybe not vanished, but rather, went into hibernation. My first “spirited” little, threw me feet first into the deep end. By the time I surfaced for air, well, I found out little number two was on the way. So lets just say… its been a crazy two years of adventure, adjustment and love. However, my photography winter is over. My spark, desire and passion for photography has recently returned, and stronger than ever.

I know how quickly these weeks, months and years pass. Although some days seem like they may never end… when I pause and look at my two year old, I wonder how she is already such a spunky, fun and loving little girl. Making me feel even more passionate about capturing all these special moments, for my little family… and yours too.

With all that said… please, feel free to contact me with any photography needs you may have. I know how precious these years and memories are. And I would be honored to provide you with an affordable, enjoyable and memorable photography experience.

Here’s a little preview of the photos we took today, man I love these two… they make my heart full.

Leaving a Legacy

Hannah was in a my cousins wedding about a month ago. The wedding was beautiful and she was the cutest little flower girl, if I do say so myself. As she ran down the aisle and her little ringlets bounced--- it brought tears to this mama’s eyes. It was a long day of being off schedule, but a great day. Hannah had to be pulled from the dance floor at 9pm (I think she would have partied all night). However, that’s not really what this post is about. At the beginning of the reception, as the band was playing, I came back from feeding my son to find this…

… the sweetest moment between Hannah and her Grandma-Great (great-grandma). It melted my heart. I passed my son off to the nearest person (okay, maybe not, but I passed him off), and snapped some shots of these two dancing away. I feel so honored that Hannah had developed such a relationship with Grandma-Great. My grandma is one of the strongest women I know. She is filled with faith, compassion, perseverance and so much spunk.

No ones life is “easy”, but what my grandma did with the deck of cards she has been dealt in life--- its inspiring. She is leaving a legacy of hope, faith and generosity. She is a pillar of strength and a model of faith. I have no doubt that she has acquired many jewels in heaven. Continually thinking of others. We have a joke in our family that you have to be careful complementing grandma about a material item… “Grandma, I love that jacket” “Oh, honey--- (as she’s taking it off), do you want it? its yours, it’d look so cute on you, take it.”

Someday I hope to leave such a legacy.

Currently, feeling as though I’m in the trenches of motherhood with a two year old and five month old. Battling naptimes, sleepless nights, teething children, unhappy hearts, tantrums, greed, impatience… and so the list continues, I pray that my actions would lead to a legacy. At the moment, I don’t feel they do. I have to humble myself regularly and apologize to my two year old, for not reacting appropriately, for not modeling the happy heart I am asking her to display. The phrase “mommy’s make mistakes too, and I am so sorry” has been said, more times than I would like to admit.

So I'm regularly drawn to my knees, asking for wisdom in shaping their little hearts… and that mine would be conformed to the likeness of Christ, as well. Praying that I would model what I am asking them to display. Praying that they would remember a mom who was there no matter what, who supported and showed grace for their childlike mistakes… because everyday in the eyes of the Lord, I make a mountain of childlike mistakes and the grace he showers upon me, is more than I deserve. We are human, my children and I. Sinners alike. In the midst of “those moments” I pray for the ability to remember that.

I love my two littles more than anything on this world. And I pray each day I am building a legacy for them… just as the one that was built for me.

So Grandma-Great…. Thank you. Thank you for loving us so unconditionally. Thank you for the grace you showered upon us. Thank you for the relentless forgivness and compassion. Thank you for guiding us with your “feather duster”. Thank you for leaving a legacy of strength, perseverance, faith, hope and Love of the Lord. I love you more than any words I type could express. You are an amazing woman, who I admire greatly. Love, me.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Choose Love.

Love is something powerful. It makes you do and feel things you never imagined. However real love, long lasting love is not an emotion, its an action. It’s a choice. A choice to “love” someone else. To put them before yourself, to do your best to make them feel special, joyful and important. Although a lifetime of  choosing “love” may not always be easy, it will always worth it.  “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.” Romans 12:9-17

While on vacation I had the privilege of taking some engagement photos. Friends of my sisters are getting married next year and wanted some engagement pictures taken. Pictures on the beach…. I’m there! They were such a sweet couple and so fun to work with. Their love for each other was so evident and easy to capture. You could tell that they put their love into action. They worked hard to make each other feel special, joyful and important. Oliver and Meghan, I wish you the best! May your marriage be filled with a lifetime of amazing memories. Hope your wedding day is more than you dreamt and your marriage is more than you have ever wanted. Thanks again for letting me be apart of this special time in your lives.

A six month old cutie and her amazing family….

I was blessed to take some pictures of my dear friends little family. Her little just turned six months old recently--- let me tell you, she is darling! I was so blessed to capture all of Maddie’s at six months cuteness, from sitting up to laughing, and even some sweet sweet drool. I absolutely love this little and her family. Her mommy is one of my closest friends. She has been such a blessing to my life. So Maddie, remember that you have an amazing mommy, who does so much for you. She loves you so very much and I love watching her with you. Your daddy, well he’s pretty special too, and I can tell that you are the apple of his eye, and he’s wrapped around that pudgy little finger of yours. Happy six months Maddie. Congratulations Story family, you are beautiful! I love you all immensely.

long time coming…

 

This post has been a long time coming. I have not posted since Bryson graced us with his presence. He has been a great addition to our family. I feel so blessed to be a mother to a son. He has been a great baby who loves his sleep--- and this mommy loves that! Just like his sister he was born premature, at 35weeks and 5days. With a few hiccups he is finally growing into a big healthy boy. His sister did and continues to do some adjusting--- but she loves him dearly and is soo sweet with him. As you can tell from my three month hiatus, I have been doing some adjusting as well. Brysons early arrival, crazy start and transition from one little to two--- well it threw me for a loop. I feel as though I am finally landed on both feet and getting fully into our routine of “new normal”. I am so blessed by my little family and thank God everyday for them. We just returned from a vacation in San Diego, where we toured my sisters new town and life. It was a great time and she blessed us by taking some family photos. We already miss her tons and can’t wait til the next time we see Auntie Casey! We love you very much Auntie…