Gus

I got to hang out with the sweetest little man last week. He was so sweet and cuddly! And his mama was so patient! It took about three hours to get this guy to sleep like we wanted, but he finally zonked out. And his big sister, Ingrid, was such a helper!

Thank you so much to all of you - your family is beautiful!

I would like to lift up some former clients in prayer today. In 2007, we photographed the wedding of Hayley and Ty Schraufnagel. Cute couple. Adorable, in fact. One of the best weddings we have ever been to. I was just contacted this week by one of Hayley's bridesmaids who is getting married this fall. As we were chatting about her upcoming wedding, I asked how Hayley and Ty are. She reported that they are living in Arizona, have an 18 month old son, Noah (who is adorable), and Hayley is pregnant, due in August. So, I jumped on Facebook three days ago and found them. I looked through their cute photos and felt like I had somewhat caught up. I said hello through email.

Then I was back on FB two days ago, and I saw all of Ty's posts that Hayley, Noah and Hayley's mom were all in a horrible car accident. Noah was ok, Hayley's mom broke both her feet, Hayley broke her foot and three ribs. I felt like the timing was perfect that I reconnected with them, because they need prayer right now. Hayley is scheduled for surgery on her foot today at 12:30pm (Pacific), and they are obviously concerned for her unborn baby. She is 24 weeks pregnant, and so far, the baby has done well, but this surgery will be a big test. So please pray for all of them today as we trust in God's protection over their family.

Happy Mother's Day

We had a busy day yesterday, so I'm posting a day late for Mother's Day.

Motherhood is the most incredible thing about my life. It is something that no one can describe and you don't understand it until you become a mother. It makes me smile, brings me joy that nothing else can bring, keeps me busy, makes me tired. It makes me feel very important, knowing that my children need me to help them, guide them, teach them, discipline them and love them every single day. My love for my children is different than my love for my husband, but each has an indescribable place in my heart.

I feel so blessed to be a mother. Men will never know what it is like to have another human being living inside your body. And the incredible, empowering experience of birthing a child. We connect to other women through this common thread. My heart aches for the women in my life who want so desperately to become a mother, but cannot. I see God's gift to me everyday in my children. They are the greatest gift I could ever ask for. I only hope that I bring them as much joy as they give to me. Even when I'm tired, even when they are disobedient, even when I wish I could just have some precious time to myself. I know I will desperately miss this busy time. The time when they are little. Sweet little faces that only want their mommy when they need comfort.

I wish you all a very blessed Mother's Day. We are all indeed very blessed.

Photo of the Week

One of our images from Jackie and Micah Fell's wedding is the Feature Photo of the Week on our album company's blog! We have been using Zookbinders for many years and we love their products and service. See the blog here. Thanks, Jackie and Micah!

Catching up...

Ok, blog fans (all three of you - that I know of, hopefully there are many more!), I'm going to catch up with our happenings from the last month or so! Yay!


My birthday morning was filled with sweet gifts from my sweet boys...

Lucas made the tag and signed his name...he made me a KNEX sail boat!

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The boys playing in the sandbox after the snow finally melted...


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Daddy and Ethan drawing and coloring...

He's such a big boy, but I love those little chubby fingers.

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Spring has sprung with flowers of hope from a friend.

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Gil and I took the boys to a new park on a very windy day. Doesn't seem like these two mind one bit!

I love this series! The interaction and joy between brothers!

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Ethan loves salsa. Oh, and sometimes a few chips to go with it. You can't hand him a chip without him saying "salsa" or "dip".

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Bedtime...we would read all night long if it was up to him. "Read. Thomas." "Read. Again."

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My little gardener. I'm not going to be able to plant anything in our garden boxes because Ethan thinks it is his personal digging spot. Heck, you might as well just climb right in.

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Nicholas' first prom. Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday he was in the back yard playing with cars in the dirt.

Super cool artist

Check out this amazing artwork by Kristen Graham of Hoot Design Co. Her work was featured on my all time favorite blog, Fresh Art Photography. I consider myself fairly creative and artistic, but this stuff just blows me away. I just love it, and I will have one of these for myself someday. Check her out, and grab one (or two) for a gift while you're at it! These would make serious waves at a baby shower. What a beautiful gift that would last a lifetime. That's why I really want one for myself!

Thank you

I haven't posted in forever, but we've had a lot of things going on. Personal things, so that's my excuse and I'm stickin' with it. We're healing and we're ready for spring and new life. Ready for blooms and gardens, sunshine and sandboxes. My family is my life, and I thank God for them everyday. I also have two beautiful friends that have helped me through these last 4 weeks. Two friends who have called or emailed almost every day. Friends that I called or emailed - several times a day, if needed - and I know you never thought I was crazy. So I say thank you, my dear freinds, for your support, your love, your prayers, and your comforting words. I can't thank you enough. My journey was softened (and continues to be) because of your selfless gifts.