We’re blowing this popsicle stand for the next two weeks! Off to enjoy surf, sand, sun, family, friends and 3000 miles in the truck with our two perfect ANGELS. (power of positive thinking!) All correspondence will be returned on the week of the 30th. Thanks Jagers for being such awesome neighbors, house sitters and puppy care takers. You guys are awesome! Cheers!

She has forever changed me. Her tantrums are eclipsed by her vibrant personality and sweet heart. Oh, how I adore her. With the softest, most impeccable skin and pouty lips and her eyes of cocoa brown, I look at her and marvel that this darling life sprang from me. I lose myself in her daily. In her hearty giggle and wrinkle of her nose I am enveloped. Oh yes, she tries us daily, then turns right around and causes my heart to explode the next minute with her tenderness. With spunk and fortitude like I’ve never know in a 3 year old, this one surprises me, challenges me, impresses me and makes me the proudest mama there ever was. She’s beautiful and bossy and brazen. I thank the Lord for entrusting her to us. Here’s to my heart and soul at the tender age of 3.

I had to share this one image of Aiden, as he *never* lets me snap a real photo of him lately. The boy is truly allergic to my camera. No joke. The moment the camera comes out, he starts rubbing his eyes and waxing on about how his allergies are acting up. EVERY.    SINGLE.    TIME! So, to get this one shot of him was well, magical.

Then there’s Julsie. Nothing fancy. Just her. I see her standing like this all the time with her tiny fingers clasped together, staring in awe over something new she’s just discovered.

I am a mom first and foremost. In these simple moments, I am blessed.

The past several months have had me teetering back and forth with the notion of “having it all.” Being a successful photographer and teacher while concurrently being a successful wife and mother sometimes feels unattainable. It’s constantly in the back of my mind how quickly time escapes us – how moments are fleeting. Blink and it’s a new season, a new year. Our kids grow, change and become different people in a matter of seconds. Capturing more of the everyday has always been on my to do list. Unfortunately I fail at that a lot. Three years ago, there would have easily been 30+ folders per month containing hundreds of everyday moments with my family. Now, sadly, there are generally not more than 5-7 folders per month. While browsing through my hard drives tonight, I came across a folder of images from April 18, 2007. My sweet lovey was almost 4 in this shot.  The subsequent image was shot on May 18, 2010. Wow, what a difference 3 short years can make. He went from a silly, lively, cuddly little fellow, to a more subdued, independent, creative thinker who incidentally ISN’T so cuddly. And just like that, my innocent toddler gave way to a skateboarding, book writing, fort building, tree climbing, video game solving, free-thinking young boy. I blinked and it happened.

Take time to photograph your kids.

She actually begged me to go take pictures. Begged. Whaaa??? Praying this is not an anomaly, but rather an emergence of a consistent model for mommy to experiment with. I’ve been itching to get her brother out to shoot, but I’m struggling to find a good outfit for him and have been putting off getting him a haircut for months now. He’s awfully shaggy. These will most certainly be added to the lot of those images going straight to canvas to adorn our walls. After being SO sick for the past couple of weeks and being rained or snowed out of all outdoor shoots and activities, today was not only a bright spot in my month for health, but the weather, light and cooperation was exceedingly above my expectations. Feeling so blessed and so in love with this beautiful angel.

Can you say diva in training?