A little November Mantel Update

I decided to give the mantel just a few tweaks for Novemeber. Mostly I changed the banner and put little pumpkins to use. You too can create this cute banner with a free printable download from TomKat Studios. They have a great Thanksgiving printable set here, complete with cute labels for leftovers! Who doesn't love that?! 

And just in case anyone was wondering, the things holding the banner are iron claw feet that I rescued from salvage in college. Remember those cool cast iron tubs with claw feet? That's what they are, flipped upside down here. I repainted them and have used them for years as book ends or other decor. They're definitely a fun piece to own. 
 This is just an iphone shot, but you get the picture. Inspired?! Good :) Happy Friday!

Monday Confessions

Hey friends, how you all doing out there? SO sorry to those of you who were severely affected by Hurricane Sandy. We definitely saw lots of rain and high winds but were thankful for minimum storm issues here. I cannot believe we are starting the first full week of November. I think I will blink twice and it will be Thanksgiving!

Here goes this week's confessions....

1. It is a season of thankfulness and today I am thinking about my in-laws who celebrate 30 years of marriage tomorrow. We had a lovely family dinner for them last night and it was fun to celebrate. As any of you married folks know, it's hard work and to have 30 years together is something to be celebrated! Shame on me though, I got the camera out and did not take one picture during our whole dinner! My mom and Stepdad also just celebrated their tenth anniversary a couple weeks ago.  I am thankful for the examples for us to follow to make a marriage long lasting. 

2. I am thankful also for delcious cupcakes! We had cupcakes for last night's dessert from the local Baby Cakes, and oh my they were delish! I had a cookies and cream one with an oreo hidden at the bottom. Who doesn't love that?!

3. About that "not gaining weight during the holidays" strategy, I might need to actually come up with a strategy! I am missing exercise but not really sure how to fit it in right now. Any other moms have good tips?!

4. Tomorrow is election day 2012! I know people are very passionate all over the board, I just encourage you that no matter your beliefs or even if you don't have hope in either candidate, still go vote! Voting is your voice! As I have been reminded before, if you don't vote, you can't complain. I also think of other countries that women still aren't even allowed the privilege of voting :(

5. I have a few things I would like to say about style. Now I know I am not one at all to really be asked for style advice but I would love to share a blog I came across that's perfect for a girl who needs some encouragement in the beauty department. The Small Things Blog has become a new stalking favorite for me! Kate is the author of it and I love her fresh beauty and style. She does everything from hair tutorials to cute outfits with the items currently in stores. I have been loving trying a thing or two she teaches, it's never to late to add some freshness into your clothing or hair style. I know there's lots of tired mamas out there that think it's the last thing she should care about and I get that. I do know though, that as I have made an effort to look more put together, sometimes it fools me into thinking I am more put together :)

6. I also LOVE my Pinterest style board! I literally use it as inspiration to get dressed sometimes. I know, I know, some of you are stylish and awesome...you daydream about outfits. The rest of us need to be reminded about what looks good together. I like to "pin" things that are cute and actually contain an article or two of clothing I already own so that I can try the looks! 

7. I had a rough parenting day recently (most days lately, honestly) and on a whim bought three different parenting books at once. I will read them and let you know if they're worth the read. The first one I am reading is Super Nanny's book.... don't laugh, she has a lot of wisdom and it sounds smarter in the British colloquialisms. It remains to be seen if I will indeed be a better parent...

8. I am SO GLAD that ABC is bringing back friday night sitcoms. As a kid, I remember BEGGING to get home in time on Friday night to catch Full House and Family Matters. (It also wasn't a world of netflix or DVR so if you missed it, you missed it). I love the show Last Man Standing, it's some great classic comedy with Tim Allen and it's rare sitcom with some conesrvative values. It still has reality as well, like a teenage mother, etc. I am just glad there's something to look forward to when we snuggle on the couch at the end of a long week and we actual agree to watching it together! Here's to wishing for a new "Urkel" for my kids!

9. Since we are talking about TV, what is with the zombie obsession??!!! I just don't get it....I try, I try...but I don't! 

10. We attempted some Christmas card pictures over the weekend...here's just a cute snapshot my husband caught of the kids while still in their cuteness. 

Hope you all have a great week and stay warm! I hear another storm is heading our way East Coasters...

Little Pumpkin

Happy November friends! Hard to believe that we are just two short months until a new year! I wanted to share a cute little pumpkin from a session a couple weeks ago. I usually am not huge on styling a newborn shoot...there are people that do it beautifully but I tend to be a bit more naturalistic when it comes to newborns. I just love them in their own element! We did a little of both in this session and little miss was a happy camper taking her picture in a pumpkin. I think she just knew how cute she was! And don't you worry, it was warm out and we snuggled her in there. Her mama and daddy just really wanted a picture of her in a pumpkin to remember both her size and the time of year! Enjoy!

Monday Confessions, Hurricane Style

As I write today, the wind and rain are beating against our home. We have all gotten up, showered, eaten and gotten as prepped as we can to welcome Sandy. It's funny at a time like this because fears, both rational and irrational surface. A lot of "what ifs" could become reality. It could all just be a big wet storm or something more serious could happen. If it does, we will face it when it comes. Otherwise, we are going to eat snacks, play "camping in the living room" and ride out the storm. 

Here goes the confessions...

1. For some reason I have really been missing my dad this week. I think no matter the earthly relationship a girl has with her dad, her sense of safety and security is wrapped a bit in him. My dad loved storms of all kinds. I think those were the times the awesomeness of creation touched him (and it also helped that it was always good for his Hardware business :) He loved the weather channel, watching it a naseum sometimes but we always had good chats about storms coming. He always had good advice about what to do too. Don't get me wrong, my hubby is prepped and ready, we are in good hands....but I am missing my dad too. 

2. We have so much junk food in this house that I am definitely likely to gain a few pounds in this endeavor. We not only made hurricane cupcakes but I made "hurricane mix" which is a slightly healthy trail mix minus the M & M's and candy corn added for color and fun! Not to mention the ice cream party we will have to save ice cream from melting if we need to unload a freezer :)

3. I am reading a really good easy, short read for moms right now. It's called Hope for the Weary Mom:Where God meets you in your mess, Amen?! No really, it's just an encouraging read threaded with truth and scripture. If you are a worn out mama and need some refreshment, download it for your kindle today! It also has discussion questions so it would be an easy thing to do with some girlfriends (if you could find a time and place without kiddos to chat :)  Here's an excerpt, “Right now, I have nothing to give. Nothing. Nada. I’m tired and don’t feel good and honestly, I want a break from everything. It’s not that I want to leave my family, trade them in, or get new ones. I WANT to be with them. I just want a break from hard hearts, discipline, correction. I want their hearts changed and I can’t do it myself. Sometimes, the knowledge of this makes me feel hopeless and helpless.” I am only half through but it's easy to pick up and put down, usually there's a good little nugget for me to ponder so I put it down for a bit...that and lots of reading time isn't easy to come by!

4. Hoping Sandy is bad enough I can stay in a couple days and get caught up on work, but good enough to leave us with eletricity! I was blessed with some great mini sessions this last weekend and couple other shoots to get caught up on. Fingers crossed...

5. Here's a few quick Hurricane pics if you aren't following me on instagram....caught this yesterday, will be sad to see the pretty leaves gone! A weather junkie friend told me these are mammatocumulus clouds that are signs of incoming violent weather. Isn't it crazy how the earth even gives us warnings?! God's creation is amazing. 

Here's the forecast from last night, we live right under the red line :) My buddy Rhonda gets the photo credit on this one!

See you all on the flip side friends! Stay safe out there! 

Monday Confessions

I know, I know....all I have been doing is talking about how busy I am with photo, yet have not posted any photo since last week! I apologize, I am busy editing some beautiful shoots currently and hope to share them with you soon. On to this weeks confessions...

1. I am getting "hair boredom." Girls, you know what I mean. It usually requires a drastic change in color or length, I have been growing it for a while now so I like the longer length. This leads me to the color conversation and I am considering dabbling in red. Thoughts friends?

2. Do you ever see awesome websites on Pinterest, thinking you are going to get great deals on designer goods? Buyer beware, I came across two different sites last night that sold knock offs from China. I am not hating on China, but when you see the shipping alone is more than $20, it’s no bargain. After all, you don’t want to accidentally buys UGGZ or THOMs do you?!

3. I am considering making my own laundry detergent. I have heard of a lot of you ladies doing it and it doesn’t seem harder than a 6^th grade science experiment. Basically I have to melt some stuff and follow directions, right?!

4. I made Paula Deen’s Smores Bars last night for our Sunday dinner with Matt’s family. Let me tell you, if you like smores, you need to make these!! Fairly easy and they go down great with a glass of milk! Yum! (I don’t think that these are on a diet though J An entire stick of butter is involved).

5. We are dealing with a sick kiddo in our house again. Poor Dean regularly gets respiratory issues and I think the crazy weather and season change isn’t helping. NO fun but thankful for modern meds!

6. I heart Reese’s cups. What types of candy will you most likely steal from your kids Halloween bags?!

7. I am loving Mumford and Sons lately. Their new album is super to work to, drive to, and I am sure a lot of other things! I don’t know about running…maybe too mellow for that! Check them out if you haven’t yet.

8. Speaking of running…we have broken up for months now and I look forward to the day we can get back together and go on a date.

9. Duck Dynasty is not disappointing this season! I admit, it does seem a little more “staged” or “set up” as to the activities but apparently all the commentary is just fresh off the cuff. I can’t stop laughing at most of the episodes either from the stupidity or commentary. One that made me laugh last week was Willie saying, “I just need to start dealing with people with real first names” after attempting to buy a car from a man named Squirrel. Who doesn’t think that’s funny?! And really, who doesn't love a show that ends with a bunch of Rednecks blowing up a truck?!

10. Many of you were asking about the Downton Abbey Season Three links. The link I had got taken down because it was being challenged on piracy. I totally get it, if we watch it now online, what will it do to PBS ratings in January?! Duh, we will all watch it again! Well anyhow, if you want to get British TV shows legally (Downton included), check out this site. Apparently if you like Downton, you will like the show Paradise too. Let me know if you check them out!

Hope you friends all have a wonderful week. I am off and running….

Monday Confessions, Early Edition

Monday has snuck up on us once again! I am attempting to post early today as to not have to confess to many failures or unflattering situations :)

1. Matt was in a wedding this past weekend of his lifelong friend. The wedding was set in beautiful State College, PA (the Groom is a Penn St grad). It was definitely a pretty weekend to drive through the PA mountains, or "foothills" as my dad called them. He said once you lived in the Rockies, the PA mountains really only were foothills :) I digress....I did grow up sharing my dad's love of the mountains and I appreciated the short time away to celebrate with friends! It was nice to be a guest for once!

2. Saw lots of Amish buggies on our ride to and from. Something dawned on me as we chatted about the Amish way of life, if there is some kind of apoclypse or power grid outtage - they are going to be just fine! Amish would totally survive any kind of governement meltdown, etc because they are totally removed from it. I like modern conveniences but for a moment, I did envy their simplicity and preparedness of living off the land. 

3. I came across a way to watch Downton Abbey's season three on the internet last week. I held off until Friday to reward myself and watch episode one. I have already watched the first three episodes! Season three is only out in the UK and not supposed to arrive in the US until January. Am I a total cheater?! Episodes 4 & 5 are out as well but I will ration myself. 

4. Speaking of apocalypses, what's with the zombie obsession?! My hubs was literally waiting for The Walking Dead to start up again for months! He loves it but I just can't handle it. I have bad dreams for days! He likened the zombies to the vampires and I just smiled....totally not Edward Cullen, hon!

5. Matt has been wanting to take Dean fishing for weeks. He got him a little yellow fishing pole and has been dreaming up the perfect father/son scenario to get Dean to experience the joy of catching a fish. Well it wasn't idyllic at all, Dean was grumpy and muddy. Dean wasn't understanding the fact that fishing requires lots of patience and Matt was frustrated that his little dream fishing excursion was not what was actually occuring. Their patience paid off though and Dean caught his very first fish yesterday in a pond near our house! (after three tries this picture keeps uploading sideways...no patience this morning to figure it out, will try to fix later!)

6. I know politics is polarizing and there have been lots of people getting agitated at each other via social networking. I know I might have even had tweets here and there that rubbed people the wrong way. All I want to say is be glad we are American and VOTE your convitions, whatever they are! Lets be glad we can speak our minds and vote for representation. Many of us feel passionately about different topics and that's a good thing. At least people speaking up and speaking out are feeling something, so much better than apathy. Nov 6 is right around the corner friends!

7. The twins already started talking about Santa last night...we tried to explain first comes the pumpkin (Halloween), then the turkey (Thanksgiving) and then Christmas! Trying to live in the moment a little better. 

8. I have a very busy week ahead (as usual) and am just trying to keep perspective. One thing at a time and don't lose joy over little things not going my way. Life passes us so quickly that I don't want to look back on a week and think I wasted it being "annoyed" :)

Have a great week friends!!!!

Fun Family Session

Most photographers would be lying if they didn't say they loved fall! It's the best sort of warm light and beautiful colors. I had a great fall family session over the weekend and wanted to share it with you! I am just sharing a handful because I am very aware that this time of year, pictures are used for holiday cards and gifts (I don't like to steal the family's thunder). Eventhough I am a photographer and love how the internet connects the world, there's nothing like holding a real photo in your hands and I like to leave some of that joy for families to share!

 It helps that this family is seriously adorable and I loved photographing them! Their 3 year old son made me feel right at home talking about rocket ships and robots :) Happy viewing friends!

Pretty girls...

These two just celebrated 6 years of marriage and how would I know that? They got married the same exact day Matt and I did so it's easy to remember their anniversary :) You guys look great together!

Tuesday Confessions

So I guess yesterday was technically a holiday but just a crazy Monday for me.

1. We did have some fun and take my Grandma to Chick Fila for her first time. You know it's my kids favorite place to eat so they wanted to share the fun with her :) I confess, we all got warm choc chip cookies to finish off our lunch! YUM!

2. Columbus Day is apparently not celebrated by Del Tech because I was supposed to have class. Well it turns out a fatal accident occured on Route 1 south bound and it took me almost an hour to go as I usually can in 15 minutes...needless to say, I never made it to class on time. I am sure my students cried all the way home from their early dismissal! Not...

3. Some of you might have seen Twitter but I am fairly certain I broke my toe on friday with a freak run in with my 3 year-olds Croc. I was in a parking lot and wanted to cry and yell bad words when it happened, but I refrained. I walked into to museum where I told my waiting friends that I think I just broke my toe. I am sure they thought I was being dramatic (who could blame them). I will spare you the pics but I sent pics to a friend who is a REAL doctor who confirmed it looked broken from the severe bruising (drama queen I might be, but liar I am not :)

4. Election Day....I have mixed feelings. I want it to be over with so we don't have to hear it anymore but at the same time, I am afraid for the outcome. My husband and I were chatting last night. The current minimum wage for an American is $7.25 hour. I just bought a gallon of milk at Walmart (tax free) last night for $4.19 and 64 ozs of Apple juice for $2.68. Those two things alone are $6.87 and we go through them almost daily with 3 small kids. What are famillies supposed to do? And don't even get me started on the price of gas. We need leaders who care what happens to the "average Joe's." 

5. Today's final confession,  I wish I was as good at real life makeup as I am at photoshop makeup! I can make people look gorgeous in photoshop but feel intimidated in Sephora :)

Have a great week friends!

Fabulous Friday Engagement!

Nicole is part of the Lovely Girls event planning services in Wilmington. She has an eye for details and is a professional in the wedding industry, what more could a photographer ask for?! She and Eric gave me lots of laughs as we captured their engagement last weekend in Bellevue State Park. The weather sort of held out for us, with a rain shower here and there. I have to say, we had lots of fun! Best of luck you two!!

 A personal favorite from the day!

Did I mention the dogs were along for the ride?! We had to tie them to various things to keep them at bay, but it actually helped at times because the dogs would do something to make Nicole and Eric look away, distracting them from my presence!

Hair and Makeup by Gloss Salon, Newark. 

Monday Confessions

What type of morning am I having you ask? I have one sick child that will need to pay a visit to the doctor. I am going on little sleep and less patience. Have already done the breakfast round and two loads of laundry, along with a load in the dishwasher. And really, HOW IS IT OCTOBER already?!

1. I confess I broke out the play pen and trapped my 16 month old. He is into EVERYTHING and a hazzard to himself. I broke down after he tossed everything out of the tupperware cabinet, had attempts at the toilet and went over to the car keys to continually hit the "unlock" button as I heard my van beeping outside...it was time for the pack n play!

2. What's wrong with this picture?! Once Max had a special place to play, the twins needed to join! 

3. Whenever we have to deal with the doc's office, I am always tempted to lose patience because it's never quick or easy....but I remind myself to be thankful. We are BLESSED to have access to medical care and insurance. As a mom, I don't have to fret over losing my child to a treatable condition because I have the privilege of going to the doctor!

4. I am not quite reaching domestic goddess status but I will say I had a huge discovery this week. Do you have towels or clothing that is getting a musty smell from storage or a damp space? I experienced this and learned that you just need to wash them in warm water with a cup of baking soda, miraculous! Takes smells away! Try it!

5. We have truly been too busy lately and I hate that. I don't like the feeling of saying no to family and friends for fun things because I have said yes to too many work things. Don't get me wrong, what I get to do for a living is a privelege but it still can take away from my family. This has led me to a hard decision, I will not be doing any family photo shoots this Decemeber. I want to have time to be with not just my kiddos but other extended family and friends. I want to celebrate life a little more with my tribe as 2012 draws to a quick close. Thanks for your understanding in this my friends and clients!

6. Along those same lines, I am committed to making memories with my family as I watch my kids grow all too fast. I also have a nephew that is just about 8 weeks older than Max that we would like to make some more time for. We had a fun family adventure on Saturday along with a few friends to the pumpkin patch! I am a 30 year old woman and never remember wandering out into the pumpkin patch to pick my own pumpkin. We got to do that with our kiddos and nephew on Saturday and it was priceless! What are you all planning to do this fall to make memories? Here's a family snapshot with my fam, my bro and nephew!

 7. Yesterday in church I was challenged by a verse that I think was meant for my current season. "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." James 1:19. I could chew on this for days....

Ok friends, I have two kids that stripped naked while writing this post and are now riding around on their hippity hops in the buff! The other child is screaming bloody murder from the play pen....it's going to be that kind of day! I would give you a hug if I were with you and say "carry on warrior" - we can do it friends!

Beautiful Bellevue Wedding

They have known each other most of their lives but their slight age difference left them in different circles in high school and beyond. They thankfully reconnected through mutual friends and had lots in common. They are a great couple and have been planning this beautiful day at the Bellevue Mansion for over a year. Although there was one mishap of a missing wedding cake, everything else was fairy tale perfect!

It has been fun for me to have excuses to hang out with them again because Erin was a high school friend of mine. I always love getting to be a part of a couple's wedding day and this was no exception, in fact I enjoyed myself tons! This type of wedding is great for me as a photographer because I am already familiar with the people. You then throw in the fact that it was one of the most gorgeous days this whole month along with the beautiful setting and details, it was fun for me all the way around. Prepare yourselves for this epic blog post! I trust that your eyes won't get tired :)

Groom getting prepped...

Bride's jewelry...

Pretty bride and her pretty mom...

This wedding day had a great timeline, allowing for pictures before the ceremony. We were able to do a "first look" with the bride and groom seeing each other for the first time. I caught a few of the beautiful bride on our way....


Groom waiting...

Here comes the pretty bride...

I will neither confirm nor deny that our tough military groom shed a few tears...

I love both of these so I will include them both, but usually I prefer an image to live permanently in either color or black and white. These are so similar but both wonderful in my opinion!

A personal favorite from the day...

Another fav of mine...

Bride waiting for the ceremony and peeking as guests came..

The bride and her daddy...love it

Ceremony time!

 

first dance as Mr. & Mrs. 

Happy weekend friends! Eat some Halloween Oreos and get in the spirit...October is almost here!

Embrace Photo Checklist

I came across this on the almighty Pinterest. Even as a photographer, I can be guilty of trying to only photography the "pretty" parts of life and forgetting the "everyday." I love this list because it's things to photograph with your kids that are way more of your daily life. So moms, grab your iphones or point and shoots and go to town! I am going to print this list off and get working on it!

(Sorry I don't have the original source to credit.)

Monday Confessions, Outlet Shopping and Tim Tebow

I did something a little crazy today...took all three kids dress shopping with me today. My hubby is in a good friend's wedding in a few weekends so I was starting to stress. Our schedule is pretty packed so I had a great thought that today was a pretty day and we would just take a ride down to Queenstown, MD to see what's in their J.Crew Outlet.

1. Here's how we surived...bribing with rides in the "rocky cars" and snacks :)

Flinstone's anyone?!

Ice Cream truck!

 

And yes Max got to ride too but I didn't trust him to let go to take any pictures!

2. There were chaotic moments but this girl got a beautiful J. Crew black dress that was originally $138.00. I paid $41.97 and it will hopefully be as cute as I imagine it accessorized. Yes, I even wheeled the triple stroller into the dressing room. You gotta' do what you gotta' do!

3. We also used our coupon for a free Chick Fila breakfast entree on the way there. It was free chicken minis all around  and it made kids (&momma happy)!

4. My husband has been getting told in public all the time "You look like Tim Tebow." Agree or disagree?

(Don't kill me honey - he has no idea I whipped this up)

5. Semi-home made chicken pot pie for dinner here folks. What's at your house?

6. I am bad with using the dryer. I don't always pay attention and sometimes shrink things. Anyone else? I am constantly doing five people's laundry and don't always pay attention to details! Oops...

7. SO excited that there's new Hawaii 5 - 0 tonight and a slew of other new shows this week! I dare say I will be tuning in to Grey's Anatomy to see who lives and dies. What are you looking forward to friends?!

8. A huge prayer in my life right now is to learn contentment. I have always struggled with a striving and sometimes restless spirit. It's a great gift if you consider it makes me a worker, a doer, a dream chaser....but it's not so good for the patiently waiting parts of life. I praying to learn to be content with who I am, what God has given me and to attempt to use it all to his best glory. Apostle Paul says in one of his letters "I have learned what it is to be content..." Praying that I am learning this too! 

9. Twins officially start preschool tomorrow. We had open house last week and they haven't stopped talking about it. As much as I have looked forward to this step, I have also found myself looking back. Life is a gift and it passes us so quickly, try to find moments to treasure today even if it's in between diaper changes, disciplining or a traffic jam. 

10. Did you see my latest couple to make it in to Delaware Bride? Congrats to Autumn and Rob, your wedding was great! 

Have to run friends, have a great week!

Monday Confessions

Definitely a case of the Mondays going on over here. I am coming off a wedding weekend, which you photographers know is both wonderful and exhausting. My hubs has started a new job that's six days a week again and we are slow to readjust. We feel a little bit more like tag team wrestlers than husband and wife, but we know it's just another full season! What did you friends do this weekend?

1. We dealt with sick kids. It was mostly a sneaky fever that kept coming and going with a sore throat. Thankfully today no one has fever and all three kids at least ate some kind of breakfast. It's a sign we are moving in the right direction!

2. I just planted my kids in front of Curious George to get 5 minutes productivity.

3. I am putting off the twins first dentist appointment. I keep delaying. I am not sure if it's because it's just hard to schedule another thing or if I don't want to deal with all the explanations. I vow to try to get it scheduled by the end of the week!

4. I did get those Teaberry skinny jeans from AE and wore them yesterday. I have to say, glad I went a size bigger because I needed the space in the "skinny" cut :) Glad I took the chance though, I think they're cute.

5. Preschool open house is this week, it's getting closer! I am holding out hope that preschool will help some of my feelings of insanity with three kids 3 and under in the house every day. Maybe I have delusions of grandeur but I am really praying it helps us a bit! It's been hard to keep people engaged, happy and not wanting to wreck each other's day.

6. The wedding this past Saturday was gorgeous...everything, including the gorgeous 70 degrees and sunshine weather, made the day perfect! Here's a sneak peek of the beautiful bridal gown!

7. There is a list of other "to-do's" I have been putting off that I need to tackle. It's tough when you feel like you are just in "survival mode" because of busyness, you use every waking moment to stay afloat - much less get ahead. I have felt like this so I am saying no to anything else photography related this fall. I want to keep the clients happy that have already hired me and I want to keep some sanity.  I was just reading an article about how it's really a lie that Mom's can truly do it all. In other cultures and former eras, mothers had the help of live in family members, etc. We really place such high expectations on ourselves, it's no wonder we have "mom guilt." We are left thinking we just aren't good enough if we can't do it all. I say, choose what matters every day. If your day ends with dishes in the sink and you just can't muster the energy to do them, it's OK. Tomorrow is a fresh start! I think this is equally a struggle for all moms, whether working in or out of the home or both!

8. I have been reading a truly deep and encouraging book by Nancy Guthrie called Holding onto Hope. Her story is amazing but what is truly amazing is how she points us towards God. One line that is sticking in my brain is "Bitterness is ultimately blaming God for the circumstances of our lives." Make you uncomfortable? Me too, but that's because it's true. "We might not say we blame God outright, but we become bitter." What things are you holding onto today that really need to let go of? Are you blaming God? I am SO convicted over this right now! 

9. My Pumpkin Spice Dunkin Donut K Cups are my best friend this week :)

(As I am trying to finish writing this I hear a plethora of toys being dumped upstairs....afraid what I am going to walk out to)

Have a great week and give me a holler if you are in the same boat trying to keep it all together :)

Monday Confessions, a Day late!

I have to say, I am thankful for seasons in life. Not just seasons in weather, although this week that has been WONDERFUL already. I am much happier when not sweating! I am also thankful for the seasons of life that usher us in to new times and experiences. Sometimes it can be hard because maybe it was a season of friendship that came to an end or maybe it's a season of trials for you. There are these tough seasons that can make us so much more thankful for the ones that are full of life's sunshine! Even as I write this, a college friend lost her dad this week to a cancer battle and the sweet family on the previous blog post had their baby girl weeks early (everyone is doing well)! Seasons, seasons....Sorry if that was a little too philosophical for you but it has been on my mind...as have many other things!

I know it's a day late but here goes this week's confessions...

1. I am embracing the season changes. Trying hard not to rush it (I don't have pumpkins up YET) but just enjoying it for what it is with my pumpkin bread and spicy candle burning. I keep joking about counting the days to preschool (and I am) but I am also so aware of how quickly life passes us by. I want to enjoy the time with these kids and the laughs they give me before they start spending so much time away from mama.

2. I confess I couldn't stifle a laugh today when Dean rounded up a bunch of toys in a trash bag and told me, "Mom this is junk." I tried not to laugh but said "there are good toys in there that you would be sad if they were gone." Dean then proceeded to tell me that this is what Andy did to his toys in Toy Story 3. I chatted with him about how the toys were sad to be in the trash bag so we better take ours out :)

3. Along with the Toy Story 3 obsession, Dean and Macy asked me this afternoon to play cowboys. I went into the basement abyss and dug out the Woody and Jessie costumes along with the stick horses. You would've thought I hung the moon! They had a blast playing and informed me that they 1. Needed Boots and 2. This is what they want to be for Halloween (should I even bother with the other costumes I was working on?) Seriously, how cute are these two?! And for the record, these stick horses were mine and my brothers as kids :) Love it!

4. I have a sewing machine that has yet to be out of the box and I am dying over this. First, my sweet Grandma got it for me when my second hand one was toast.  Second, my mom did teach me basic sweing as a kid but I forget a lot. I don't have a lot of patience sometimes which doesn't go well with sewing. I have had no time to dabble with the machine yet and it makes me feel a little less like a good mom who sews Halloween costumes and other such sweet childhood things. Pinterest taunts me. 

5. I am secretly wishing up a list of things I will do while the twins go to preschool...then I am secretly brought back to reality when my almost 16 month-old dives into the toilet or the dog bowl yet another time. He will probably have something to say about me thinking I will become a craft/project/decorating Goddess during preschool hours. I will most likely have to do business things, grocery shop with one kid, clean, or go for a run during those times. I can dream though can't I?! What fall crafts are you whipping up?!

6. AND speaking of toilets, our powder room toilet betrayed me today after Matt had already gone to work. I really can't in good conscience describe the scene I came upon this morning when I went to help Macy potty in there. Lets just say it required a plunger and me holding my gag reflex. If you ever think my life looks glamourous....just rememebr I am elbow deep in poo at least once a day or more! 

7. I confess I need to say no more. This is a skill I thought I was good at but it seems to creep into hiding at times. I am booked as I really can handle from now until the first weekend in November. If you were interested in a fall photo session, it would have to be after then, thanks friends! 

8. I colored my own hair Sunday night. I had gotten to that place where the highlights were a bit too bright and I just wanted to warm them up slightly without covering them entirely. I am happy with the results, it's a nice warm color to embrace fall and let the summer tan fade (tear). I trimmed my own bangs too. I have to say, I LOVE my hair stylist but I do occasionally have to take matters into my own hands for quick, budget solutions. 

(forgive the flourescent bathroom glow)

9. I was priveleged over the weekend to attend Women of Faith conference in Philadelphia. It was definitely fun to go with friends but I have to say there were a lot of moving speakers. You definitely can't beat singing Good Morning with Mandisa,  that is for sure but the speakers that came after were so real and authentic. Christine Caine brought a passionate conversation about getting off your bottom and doing something in the world. She has an amazing story of redemption and in fact, her book Undaunted is available today. Her personality was right up my alley and seriously, how do you NOT love a lady over 40 in lime green skinny jeans with an Australian accent telling you to love Jesus more passionately?! I had to stand in line to meet this lady!

 

And let me tell you, I was pretty excited to be close by to this music star. This blurry iphone shot is Amy Grant!

I was also very struck by Brenda Warner's, wife of NFL star Kurt Warner, story. If you need a good read, pick up her book which shares it more in depth. Mine is on it's way from Amazon as we speak! I need to stand up and listen to any lady who is a former US Marine, looks like a beauty queen, is a cancer survivor and has 7 children, including one with severe special needs after a tragic accident. Her story had so much heart and with it, so much hope! 

10. Two final things,

1. I am sitting here seriously considering getting in my car and going to the CHick Fila Drive Thru for a warm chocolate chip cookie. Have you had them?! Ridiculously good!

2. I put on a song by Robyn and broke into a literal dance party in my room right around confession number 5. It got the blood pumping and kept me going :)

Have a great week friends!!!

Hudson Family

The baby trend continues! I have loved being able to document expectant mothers and their sweet families these past few weeks. This session came a couple Fridays ago when the weather gave us a slight break. I enjoyed being with these old college friends and their sweet little Mr. L, who is almost two. They are excitedly awaiting the arrival of a baby girl next month. We thouroughly enjoyed our session and I look forward to seeing how baby girl adds to the precious family! Happy viewing friends!

Love these with the belly...

Makes me smile every time...

Mr. L saw an airplane!

Pretty mama...

He wanted to fly like the plane!

Love Mr. L's face as they read about "baby sister" :)

Love this idea...The quote is John 1:16 "From the fullness of His grace, we have received one blessing after another."

More pretty mama...

Mr. L couldn't stay away from mommy any longer, he knows his days as the "only" are numbered, so he ran in for some snuggles and who could resist him?!

And a final sweet one of mom and dad...

Monday Confessions, Labor Day

I have to say, my hubby let me lay in bed today while he got up with the kids. Bless him!! It was a great extra time of rest for me that I obviously really needed. So Labor Day 2012, what are your plans today? The rain might be putting a damper on our picnic and pool plans but we shall see. 

1. Labor Day was created to celebrate the economic and social contributions of workers (I am hearing lots of politically charged comments in my head about the current value of hard work in our country but I will leave them in my head). Labor Day also now is also a huge retail holiday, due to people being off and it is apparently now only second to the Black Friday shopping phenomenon! I contributed with a little trip to the mall yesterday :) 

2. Labor Day is  also the symbolic end of the summer. I really do hope some fall-like weather comes soon! In high society, Labor Day is (or was) considered the last day of the year when it is fashionable to wear white or seersucker (in case you are in the company of high society soon....I, on the other hand, think the white jeans can stick around a little longer :)

3. In the course of a week, I myself ate an entire HALF GALLON of Edy's special edition smores ice cream. I was the only one eating it but it kept calling my name from the freezer night and day. I would eat a small bowl with one of my kids spoons to make it last longer (old diet trick).....but in the course of 7 days, I had eaten it all myself?!

4. It brought me to the conclusion that my booty might look like the one on Cinderella's evil step sister if I keep going in this direction....I won't be buying ice cream at the grocery store this week!

5. At that trip to the mall yesterday I had an interesting interaction with a 20 year old about a jeans purchase. Said tewnty year-old was probably about a size 4 and 6ft tall, wondering why I didn't want to try on the skinny jeans too in the dressing room at American Eagle (whole store was 40% off)? I was trying to gently tell her with my eyes that she shouldn't mess with a 30 year old who has had three kids, because I needed to stick with the style that worked for my body type! I humored her though because I was in a really good mood when the smaller size actually fit. Let me tell you though ladies, the "skinny kick" style isn't for most. Those had to go! I ended up going with a nice dark wash slim boot if you must know but the interactions in the dressing room were priceless.

6. My heart also lusted after the teaberry colored jeans but I refrained for feeling that I would look like someone impersonating a college student....I liked them though. Your thoughts my mama friends? Things you stay away from style wise? Or maybe it's just more about pulling it off with confidence...

7. We started watching Breaking Bad on Netflix this weekend. I have tweeted about it a few times but I am both intrigued and disturbed by this show! I cannot figure out how it is already in season five with the plot but it makes me want to watch some more to see what happens. At the same time, it's full of drugs, violence and all sorts of other maladies. I have been told to stick with it by a few....so we will see!

8. I just finally uploaded some photos from our trip to the carnival at the end of July. I sometimes laugh when people say Macy is a mini of me, because I don't always see it. I know we have blonde hair and blue eyes but I guess I just see her as her own person. She is naturally a whole lot sweeter than me :) This picture made me see what others see though :)

All in all it was a great summer! We got to the beach two different days, did a couple different carnivals, the Please Touch Museum, Philly Zoo, Ikea, Pump it Up....we packed in the fun! The preschool count down is 22 days :) Have a great Labor Day my friends! Enjoy your rest!

Neighbors and friends...

Our story began when we bought our first house, Andy And Stef were our neighbors. We became fast friends and enjoyed hanging out. Life progressed like it has a way of doing and they eventually moved but that didn't (thankfully) end our friendship. It has gotten harder to get together with 5 kids between us but we won't give up! I have had the honor of photographing them the last two summers for their annual family portraits. I love getting to be a part of capturing their family's memories! Their kiddos are precious and were great sports when we met up for this shoot at UD. This was another one of those sessions that had literally been rescheduled 3 times due to the crazy rain/storm/wind weather we have had this summer. Enjoy friends!

Such a cute family, right?!

Watch out preschool ladies...

Miss P is cute and saucy!

Loved these flowers...

Kids wanted to climb in this awesome tree so thankfully mom and dad said "go for it!"

 She's almost two, can you tell? :)

Could just squeeze all her cuteness!

It all started with these two great people :)

Have a great Thursday everyone!

Monday Confessions, back to school

     Nothing says Monday like pulling an entire roll of toilet paper from the toilet because your preschooler thought that was a good idea or like taking your toddler out of the dog's water bowl for the third time. These are the times that I want to pull my hair out, but there are other moments as well. I watched Dean sit still and get his "back to school" hair cut today, although preschool doesn't start until late Sept. I was imagining all the fun he will have (trouble he will get into) as I looked on. I watched Max transform a bit today because he is cutting molars and with all the other changes, his haircut made him so much more of a boy than a baby. Parenting is a crazy ride of emotions isn't it?! So here goes, I confess...

1. I took all three kids to Ikea Baltimore on Friday and it went better than I expected. Twins got to go play in Smalland for an hour - GOD BLESS IKEA. I walked around with Max, chose a few fresh throw pillows and a new rug to spice up the living room. I honestly could've gotten nothing and been very happy. Who says you shouldn't drive over an hour each way to get free babysitting?! We even ate lunch there in the cafeteria, which was also a great experience even with kiddos. I think next time, I will go on a Tuesday when kids eat free :)

2. I am SO READY for fall...I think I am just tired of being HOT. When you have to put three kids in and out of the car with carseats on a daily basis, you know what I mean. I never leave the house without being covered in sweat and I am OVER IT. I also love the fall season, so much about it I adore! 

3. I am currently reading The Thirteenth Tale,  and am only a little bit in but it's good so far. It was recommended by a book club I am loosely a part of and thought I should take a stab at it! Will let you know how it goes :)

4. I have to say, Pinterest is great for ideas but 99% of them I don't try in real life. I do, however, try a lot of the recipes! Some I have tried lately to success are Chicken Roll ups (yummy and easy), Cinnamon Bun Cake (delish) and the crock pot maccaroni has become a favorite around our house! I love it too because I literally use the recipes right off my phone and never lose them in a drawer :) What are some good recent recipes you've tried? 

5. Speaking of food, What's for dinner tonight at your house friends? I have class tonight so I am thinking a yummy easy version of "breakfast for dinner" with a quiche, fruit salad and biscuits. Kids usually like it so I can cross my fingers there won't be the usual dinner stand off.

6. And yes, I mentioned class! It's my first class of the semester tonight, ready to meet the students I will journey with for 16 weeks. Hoping there are some real creatives, dreamers, and doers in the bunch!

7. Did I mention that my town is getting it's own Chick Fila and it opens in 3 days!! Not sure who is more excited, me or the kids?! 

8. So speaking of Pinterest and fall, what crafts are you thinking about doing friends? Any ones you've been dying to try? I am already thinking about a fall mantel. Just ready for the seasons to change! (Did I mention our PAINFULLY large electricity bill last month too? Hoping Autumn is kind to us!)

9. Along the lines of Max growing, I packed up his bottles on Friday :( He's exactly 15 months old today! He was down to a night bottle and I knew I needed to give it up before it became an issue even more. I think it's harder on me than it is him. He did ask for "ba-ba" but I gave him his cup instead. Hope he transitions well!

10. Over and over I keep learning the lesson to be thankful.... Days can be hard, moments can be trying or even long seasons of life can have you feel like you're struggling, but moment by moment there are ALWAYS things to Praise God for and be thankful. A good friend got great news today that her precious son is coming home from the NICU (he has been there over 4 weeks). It reminds me to continually be thankful and look for moment to step outside my own little world. 

Here are some pictures of the kids from last weekend cruising their tricycles (cutest motorcylce gang I ever saw :)

He's secure in his manhood and Captain America shirt, he can ride the pink trike!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!!

Baby number four! (not for me :)

A sweet friend has baby number four on the way and decided it would be a fun time to do a little family/maternity session. We got a beautiful night last week with reasonable temperatures and a pretty sunset to make this happen! They are waiting to be surprised so all we know is there is a sweet little sibling baking in the oven and due out next month :) Enjoy!

Cute Big Brothers...

Sweet soon-to-be big sister...

Mom and Dad!

A favorite of mine...

Love this one with the boys hands on the "new baby" - it's all a suprise :)

Love this happy ending...