May Project TEN

The twins are in the home stretch of their sixth year, which I absolutely cannot believe! They turn 7 at the end of next month and the explosion of growth this year in first grade has me left a little emotional. In one way, it's absolutely amazing. In another way, it reminds me how fast life speeds past! Weren't they just toddling around? 

They are both working on reading at their own pace, which has been a huge part of their school year. I thought I would take a moment with project Ten this month to capture them reading, which has been so much a part of their recent life. We used the setting of the library of course! We then took advantage of a rare moment without rain these last weeks and played outside for a few at the end! 

(No, Dean is not able to read Harry Potter all on his own yet but we actually take turns, which I adore! Reading fun stories is something we can bond over!)

Asking me a word...

Macy is enjoying the silly antics of Amelia Bedelia!

She's checking out an art book on Monet, they recently studied him in art class.

This kid loves to climb!

Totally unscripted, this girl does actually stop to smell the flowers in life!

The last photo is a bonus photo focusing on the design element of "repetition." We are trying to challenge each other each month for the rest of this year to work on a photo aimed at pushing us creatively. Each of us will have our own interpretation and hopefully add some creative answers to each challenge! Here's to the first challenge for repetition! (And often elements of design can overlap, as with this image you could argue perspective or lines as well as the repetition of the arches). 

Project Ten is made up of a group of very talented photographers who are determined to document their own lives and not just the lives of their clients. Ten photos from our everyday lives on the tenth of every month. Check back monthly and be sure to check out all the other extremely talented women below!

My Fellow Project Ten 2016 Participants: Katie Hall, Paula Richwine, Cait Jensen, Lisa O’Brien, Rebecca Bender, Parker Slaton, Rae Barnes, Erin Gregerson, Kelly Lapp, Stacy Hart, Kate Neal,  Heather Butler, and Rachel Eade.

9 months

For this morning's confessions, I am doing a little reflecting over the past 9 months with being a family of 6. I still have to remind myself sometimes, "I have four kids!" I used to think that was a silly excuse for being at overwhelmed at life,  but now I GET IT. Having kids of any number of children is a huge explanation for lots of things...like lateness, tiredness and being scatter brained among other things. Some people are amazing and flawless with multiple children, but that's not me! I wish I had it more together with every month of photos for this kid but I am taking what I can get at this point! Here's a few photos of our sweet chunky little man on his 9 month birthday last weekend (and yes it was less than 24 hours before his little hospital adventure! He likes to keep life interesting :) 

I am learning in this season in life to embrace the feeling that I can't do it all. It seems so counter productive but it's actually very freeing. I need to do my primary roles and let other things just fall to the periphery. I am doing the very best I can to serve clients, take care of my family and myself. I have found it honestly very hard to keep up taking good care of myself but I take it all one day at a time. Today a workout and a shower are on the schedule!

A helpful scripture that I have been pondering is found in Psalm 61, 

"I cry to you for help
    when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
   for you are my safe refuge"

So thankful that we serve a God that is our help, our refuge and can help when we are overwhelmed!

So although some moments I wish for time to just slow down, I will just have to embrace each day to the fullest right now. As I collapse into bed each night, I will do my best to forgive my failures from the day as well as seeing all the things I have to be grateful for! As Shauna Niequist says, "Present over perfect." (Can't wait for her book to release!)

"Welcome to West Point"

I remember those months of waiting between college applications and the acceptance letters. It was a fun time yet, an anxious time as a senior in high school. Can you remember those days? It was those times of still having to keep grades up as a senior but having your heart often pondering, "what lies ahead for me?" 

I have to say though, I can only imagine the honor and excitement of opening a West Point acceptance! Last week I got to photograph this beautiful young lady who has a hugely bright future ahead of her. She's not only an accomplished swimmer, but she can't wait for the adventures in her fresh army boots that await her at West Point! Congrats Jo and I truly can't wait to see where life takes you in the next few years! 

April ProjectTEN

      I read on the Finding Joy blog this week and Rachel wrote a post on why being a mom is enough. I think we all need to here this now and then.

 "I’m talking about getting up in the morning, slapping your face with water, looking in the mirror, sighing, brushing your teeth (maybe), and picking up that toddler and wandering into the kitchen and pouring cereal in bowls, rinsing dishes, kissing the top of their head, and waiting for your coffee to brew.

There isn’t much glamour.

There is you. You giving of yourself. Minute, by minute, by minute, by minute until those hours add up to create a day which adds up to create a week which adds up to create a month which adds up to create years which add up to create a life. A beautiful life filled with ordinary enough mom moments."

So this week as the tenth drew close, I chose to just find some of those ordinary life moments to capture around the house. Max is still just in morning preschool a few days a week so he's my most steady sidekick. He makes the most appearances in this post but the bulk of the images were actually from yesterday. It was a snowy, rainy, April Saturday morning. Little league was cancelled and we were graced with some quiet at home. Enjoy my friends and don't miss out on those "ordinary mom moments" this week!

(And I apologize that Dean does not make any appearances in this month. Sorry dude, your brothers and sister stole the show this time!)

Daddy went for fresh donuts and notice the snow still melting on the lid of the box! Fresh donuts don't last long at this house! 

Aren't chubby baby hands the best?!

The dryer was just so warm he decided to hop in! I can't blame the kid!

This was pre-haircut last week. He had set up his Batman cave and "joes," as he calls them by the front door to play. Loved the light and the angle. Sometimes in a family of 6, you have to get creative for where you can get yourself some space! 

Here are the other talented photographers in this project:

Rae Barnes - http://raebarnes.com/blog/

Rebecca Bender (Winfield, IA) – http://rebeccabenderphotography.zenfolio.com/| https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-Bender-Photography/139668796110338?pnref=lhc

Claire Bunn (Philadelphia, PA) – www.clairebunnphotography.com|https://www.facebook.com/ClaireBunnPhoto?fref=nf&pnref=story

Heather Butler (Dover, DE) http://www.heatherbutlerphotography.com https://www.facebook.com/heatherbutlerphotography

Erin Gregerson (Kauai, Hawaii) – http://www.eringregerson.com | https://www.facebook.com/ErinGregersonPhotography/

Katie Hall (Newark, Delaware)- http://katiehallcreative.com/|https://www.facebook.com/katiehallcreative

Stacy Hart (Dover, DE) http://www.stacyhart.com| https://www.facebook.com/stacyhartphotography/

Cait Jensen (West Chester, PA) – http://www.photographyjensen.com/|https://www.facebook.com/photographyjensen

Kelly Lapp (Lancaster, PA) http://kellylappphotography.com |https://www.facebook.com/kellylappphotography

Kate Neal (Bloomfield, NJ) http://www.katenealphoto.comhttps://www.facebook.com/KateNealPhoto

Lisa O’Brien – (Wrentham, Massachusetts) – https://www.facebook.com/lisaobrienphoto

Paula Richwine (Newark, Delaware) – http://richestwinephotography.com/|https://www.facebook.com/richestwinephoto

Parker Slaton (Newark, Delaware) – http://slatons.blogspot.com  |https://www.facebook.com/ParkerSlatonPhotography

Lisa Turner(Chattanooga, TN) – https://www.facebook.com/LLturnerphotography

Monday Confessions, Easter

    It's the day after Easter and it was a wonderful but full weekend. I had a few indulgences so I started the morning with 22 Min Hard Corp and Tony Horton. It feels good to have the blood pumping because all 4 kids are home today and I know workout time would be hard to come by! 

Some highlights of Easter weekend....

1. Friday night Matt and I got to go to dinner with friends we've known a long time but hardly ever get to catch up with. Reminded me that parents NEED to get out with adult friends, have conversations and enjoy life together! Thankful for friendships! 

2. Saturday our church threw a great Easter Extravaganza, which is egg hunts and all kinds of family fun. The weather was great and it felt like the whole town turned up for the event! Then we got to attend another friend's house for an egg hunt and potluck with the easter bunny! 

(iPhone shot)

3. This weekend kicked of little league season here and the ball fields is where we will be spending lots of our time this spring with our two big boys on their respective teams!

4. Easter morning was full of kids opening baskets and a great time of worship at church. The twins asked if they could join us in the adult service (we have great kids services as well) and we agreed. It was actually really neat to worship together and they did a great job sitting through service. It was such a beautiful reminder through music and sermon of what Easter really means!

5. Easter afternoon we celebrated with a family luncheon, which reminded us to count our blessings. For my kids, they were counting their loot! Grandma and Poppop organized a fun egg hunt which the kids loved. Sitting at the dinner table talking about yet another terrorist attack really brought it home for me to keep what's important on my daily priorities. We cannot live in fear but we certainly can make the most of each day we have!

Can I just say that these four both hold my heart and kick my butt on a daily basis?! I don't mean they literally kick my butt, but the parenting of four small people is a challenge that is beyond my own strength. Thankful that we don't walk this road alone!

Here comes Peter Cottontail...

 I know, I know...this is the stuff that causes therapy later in life but I COULD NOT RESIST the ears and bunny cottontail on this sweet, chunky 8 month old! Did you read that? He's already 8 months old as of yesterday! My days have been crazy the last 8 months, often rising early and burning the candle at both ends, but this little man makes it worth it. He brings such a light to our family (and gray to my hair)! 

I am excited for him to experience his first Easter and in the years to come, may it bring him a deeper meaning. I have been reading through the daily readings at shereadstruth.com this holy week to reflect on what Jesus went through each day. Although we all enjoy the chocolate bunnies, Reese's eggs and cute bunnies, the significance of Easter lies in the cross. Maybe you find truth and peace in the cross this Easter!

Monday Confessions on Tuesday

Hey friends, lateness is my thing this month I guess! I know it's Tuesday but yesterday was the Monday of all Mondays with time change, kids getting off spring break, rough night with an infant, and me kicking off a fresh nutritional plan. I just kept wanting to get my blog up but not getting to it. (Insert me preaching to myself about daily priorities). So here we go...

1. I confess we had a great spring break! It's definitely a lot go work to round up a family of 6 for a few days away but it's worth it for the family time!

We literally had the drive on fishing beach to OURSELVES all day because my kids spring break is earlier than most and we were spoiled with a random 78 degree day in March! Bless us...

Someone loved his first trip to the sand!

This kid not only had his shirt off, he was in the 45 degree ocean multiple TIMES! God love him...

Their happy place where they might actually play peacefully for a few minutes all together!

This kid adores the beach and I adore him!

2. I confess that I am writing this with a teething, fussy but cute 7 month old on my lap :) He's chewing on a water bottle my friends because the expensive toys aren't appealing.

3. I confess that I am hungry. I am exploring intermittent fasting and how it affects my system (mama has stubborn baby weight). Trying to just be hungry and not HANGRY (hungry + angry).

4. What I am reading: Taya Kyle's American Wife

5. What I am listening to: The Happy Hour podcast with Jamie Ivey is my new favorite. I know i have a new favorite each week sometimes, but I truly love this gem! It's various topics with all different Christian women ranging from adoption to health to teenage motherhood. It's all women and their stories, their corner of the universe and what God is doing there. I adore it.

6. I confess that I do really just like my coffee with cream and sugar but I am preaching at myself to keep trying the "healthy" stuff in coffee. I have tried cinnamon, coconut oil, almond milk and you name it. So far a little stevia and the almond milk creamer are OK. I am trying friends, I am trying!

Angry baby cutting this short friends, have a great Tuesday!

March ProjectTEN

      Better late than never, right?! I wanted to use our few days away to have time to just document family interactions. One of Matt's ways to unwind is fishing. I don't have the patience for it but maybe I should try it for that very reason! I thought that Daddy fishing with the kiddos was the perfect time to grab some shots. I should say though that fishing with kids at 7am isn't exactly "relaxing" but it sure is cute! I confess that I grew up fishing on this lake with my grandfather and dad. I've caught little fish on this lake as a kid and was excited for our kids to try it too. We didn't have any luck but we had fun all the same! I realized too that I often only focus on the kids, but my husband deserves some documentation as well :) 

Here are the other talented photographers in this project:

Rae Barnes - http://raebarnes.com/blog/

Rebecca Bender (Winfield, IA) – http://rebeccabenderphotography.zenfolio.com/| https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-Bender-Photography/139668796110338?pnref=lhc

Claire Bunn (Philadelphia, PA) – www.clairebunnphotography.com|https://www.facebook.com/ClaireBunnPhoto?fref=nf&pnref=story

Heather Butler (Dover, DE) http://www.heatherbutlerphotography.com https://www.facebook.com/heatherbutlerphotography

Erin Gregerson (Kauai, Hawaii) – http://www.eringregerson.com | https://www.facebook.com/ErinGregersonPhotography/

Katie Hall (Newark, Delaware)- http://katiehallcreative.com/|https://www.facebook.com/katiehallcreative

Stacy Hart (Dover, DE) http://www.stacyhart.com| https://www.facebook.com/stacyhartphotography/

Cait Jensen (West Chester, PA) – http://www.photographyjensen.com/|https://www.facebook.com/photographyjensen

Kelly Lapp (Lancaster, PA) http://kellylappphotography.com |https://www.facebook.com/kellylappphotography

Kate Neal (Bloomfield, NJ) http://www.katenealphoto.comhttps://www.facebook.com/KateNealPhoto

Lisa O’Brien – (Wrentham, Massachusetts) – https://www.facebook.com/lisaobrienphoto

Paula Richwine (Newark, Delaware) – http://richestwinephotography.com/|https://www.facebook.com/richestwinephoto

Parker Slaton (Newark, Delaware) – http://slatons.blogspot.com  |https://www.facebook.com/ParkerSlatonPhotography

Lisa Turner(Chattanooga, TN) – https://www.facebook.com/LLturnerphotography

Sweet Newborn C

   Babies always tend be on their own timeline. The story of little mister C is one of him having his own agenda when he decided to come three weeks early! We thankfully had gotten in his mama's maternity session the weekend before he came. We had debated because it was brutally cold weather and now we are so thankful we stuck to the plan or else we would have missed the chance to do belly shots entirely! I am going to post these blogs a little bit backwards because I am sharing the newborn this week and will share the maternity next week. This is a sweet little reminder  that life doesn't always work on our plan or time table but we can embrace it all the same! Welcome to the world sweet little man! 

He was NOT a fan of his crib you can see...

He had to tell daddy all about it...

This next little series was all for daddy in his little "buck" outfit, which was not only adorable but it went perfectly with his nursery theme!

Hope your Friday afternoon brightened up because of the sweetness in this post! Enjoy your weekend friends!

The B Family

  If you've been around at all on this blog you've heard me talk about me balancing priorities. This past fall I was busy photographing and serving clients but my blogging fell by the wayside. I thankfully was able to learn a new system in my blogging that should hopefully remedy this in the future a little more! 

Here is a family session that's way over due for sharing! I loved these images and the kids were such good sports about being photographed that is made it all the more fun for me. It's kind of funny too in Delaware if you talk long enough, you learn of more and more people that you have in common! We enjoyed a beautiful fall day this past November for this session in Smyrna, DE while we chatted about friends we knew and had fun with the kiddos. I absolutely loved the styling of their clothing as well, it worked perfectly for their gang and made for beautiful color in the foliage.

Monday Confessions, Presidents Day & Favorite things

            Here we are in mid-February on the day we reflect on our presidents who sacrificed to lead, or if you're a kid you just enjoy the day off! Today has gotten me thinking though about the great presidents of eras past and how those that faced the most adversity seem to be better remembered. It also has me extremely concerned with our current presidential campaign and candidates. I don't know if I am really rooting for any one of them just yet, but it keeps me involved in the democratic process. There are tons of quotes attributed to good old honest Abe Lincoln but I love this one personally,

Today's post though isn't political or even deep, just going to share some of my favorite things in this season of my life! SO here are some of my favorite things these days....

1. Heated seats: Yes, it's been about 10 degrees here in Delaware and heated seats are a mama's friend. If the baby falls asleep in the back seat on a preschool run, I occasionally linger in my driveway with my heated seat and my cup of coffee. You should try it!

2. OPI glitter polish: It's a fun way to wear metallic and bring a little sparkle to otherwise dreary winter days. In a way they're also neutral and kind of go with everything! A favorite color is "Ce-less-stial is More."

3. Swell Bottle: I love my new Swell bottle with my monogram! It keeps ice for at least 24 hours and is a great way to keep my water with me either on the go or when I am trying to make sure I get enough in. (This was a bday present from my sweet sister & brother-in-law! Thanks guys! It actually comes with a funny story because this is the SECOND one they've given me. The other one is lost somewhere in a Greek Orthodox church, I kid you not). If you're local to me, you can get one at Heart & Home in People's Plaza!

4. Dunkin & Starbucks Apps: Don't judge but for a girl who loves her coffee, these are great ways to put a little money on a digital gift card to either budget the spending and make it very convenient to just pay on your phone. 

5. Coldplay album, A Head Full of Dreams:  It's awesome as always. I love listening to them in various moods and while driving. Cool cover art as well...

6. Hell on Wheels, an AMC show: It's definitely gritty historical fiction. It does not sugar coat a lot, meaning there's much that can be hard to watch at times, but it's so beautifully shot. I am hooked! The story line is that of the race to build the Union Pacific railroad in post-Civil War America. Some characters are entirely fictional, while others are based on real people in history. Another true confession though is that the main character, Cullen Bohannon, played by Anson Mount, might be one of my favorites entirely by himself (Blush). 

7. Baby Einstein Jumper and that chubby baby that goes in it! We love this jumper because it keeps Ben happy and supports him while he still learns to hold up at that cuteness! Excuse the phone snap shot but it perfectly captured his gummy grin and his ankle rolls! 

8. Modern Love Podcast: This is a new favorite that I was tipped off to by a friend. I didn't know what to expect but the stories range from beautiful tales of adoption to the shenanigans of a first date that ended in an ER visit. It's based on a column in the New York times so everything is obviously really well done. I just enjoy it because sometimes I want to listen to something that engages my brain as I drive all my circles in #momlife. 

9. Loveswept lotion from Philsophy brand, it smells so heavenly! I used a gift card to treat myself to it at Ulta. I dare you to smell it and not love it! I've even had people ask me what fragrance I am wearing and it's just the lotion! 

10. My hubby, he's my most favorite. On friday we realized it was our "half-iversary," we have been married 9 and a half years! We are fast approaching the big ten! In life you really need a partner in crime who can make you laugh when you want to cry. I definitely have that in Matt! So thankful for his sense of humor and his approach to life that focuses on what matters...sometimes I have to look the other way on his affinity for shooting things out of the sky or letting animal skulls "cure" in places around the homestead... Love you honey! Ha! 

Project Ten February

     Today just so happens to be my birthday so it's a good day to post a few photos! We've had a few snow storms and one big blizzard in the past few weeks. My kids love it and if I am honest, so do I! I had many a birthday with snow falling. My mom likes to point out it was snowing when I was born and my first birthday party was canceled due to blizzard. I thought the snow a fitting theme for winter and this month! (I was testing out a new lens on some of these shots, so they're not normally the gear I would use but ProjectTEN was the perfect way to force myself to practice with the new lens!)

Disclaimer: Maxwell participated in the snow play only a few minutes which was not long enough for me to get him in any photos. Sorry Max! Next time...

Love her expression which is SO her...she wants to have fun and throw snow but not get it in her face! 

Working hard on Mr. Frosty

This is my 11th photo because Daddy took it so that I could be in one!

If you want to check out what the rest of the Project Ten gang is up to, here are their links!

Katie Hall (Newark, Delaware)- http://katiehallcreative.com/| https://www.facebook.com/katiehallcreative

Paula Richwine (Newark, Delaware) - http://richestwinephotography.com/| https://www.facebook.com/richestwinephoto

Cait Jensen (West Chester, PA) - http://www.photographyjensen.com/| https://www.facebook.com/photographyjensen

Lisa O'Brien - (Wrentham, Massachusetts) - https://www.facebook.com/lisaobrienphoto

Rebecca Bender (Winfield, IA) - http://rebeccabenderphotography.zenfolio.com/| https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-Bender-Photography/139668796110338?pnref=lhc

Parker Slaton (Newark, Delaware) - http://slatons.blogspot.com  | https://www.facebook.com/ParkerSlatonPhotography

Claire Bunn (Philadelphia, PA) - www.clairebunnphotography.com| https://www.facebook.com/ClaireBunnPhoto?fref=nf&pnref=story

Rae Barnes (Philadelphia, PA) - http://raebarnes.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/raebarnesphotography

Lisa Turner(Chattanooga, TN) - https://www.facebook.com/LLturnerphotography

Erin Gregerson (Kauai, Hawaii) - http://www.eringregerson.com

https://www.facebook.com/ErinGregersonPhotography/

Kelly Lapp (Lancaster, PA) http://kellylappphotography.com |https://www.facebook.com/kellylappphotography  

Stacy Hart (Dover, DE) http://www.stacyhart.com| https://www.facebook.com/stacyhartphotography/

Heather Butler (Dover, DE) http://www.heatherbutlerphotography.com https://www.facebook.com/heatherbutlerphotography

Kate Neal (Bloomfield, NJ) http://www.katenealphoto.comhttps://www.facebook.com/KateNealPhoto

Monday Confessions

      Well it's February and my birthday week. I have been doing a lot of thinking, mostly prompted by me listening to a lot of the messages from IF: Gathering over the weekend. (If you are a lady and love Jesus and haven't heard of IF, you're missing out!) There were so many beautiful messages and stories shared that it's hard to really just point out one.

      The other side to my feelings this morning is that I woke up to hear the news that my great Uncle had passed away from continued illness and complications. Our family is on the smaller side and we have all stuck close over the years. We all include aunts, uncles and cousins when we can at functions so we grew up knowing everyone with the memories to match. The reality of aging, loss and heartache always snap us right back into a real perspective don't they? 

    In trying to assimilate my thoughts for this post, here's what's standing out. We need to be living for what matters. In Jennie Allen's talk from IF, she drove home the point that WE ARE ENOUGH. She said that once you have nothing left to prove or protect, that's where the freedom is. That has been stirring in my heart a lot since Saturday. I get weighed down SO MUCH but things that I really don't have any business worrying about. I don't need to prove a thing, I am ENOUGH. She urged us towards confession and authenticity. 

     The other message that has stayed with me was one from David Platt. Although it was hilarious with him sharing some early love letters to his wife, which often included the word "dude," he was genuinely urging us to see things as simple. We are to love others and share the gospel. It doesn't always have to be complicated.

     So on this gray February Monday, as I cover up the gray hair, buy better skin cream and curse gravity's effect on my body, I will remember that I am ENOUGH. I can let go of trying to prove things and just be.  My goal for 2016 was to work through my passions and purposes to try to weed out anything I am was spending energy on that didn't fit. These talks both help me in thinking through that. I can sit back and filter through what matters, allowing me to focus on those things. One thing is for sure, life is fleeting and time is short.

A verse from both personal bible study and from the conference talks has made itself fresh to me this week, 

"Look at the nations and watch—
    and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
    that you would not believe,
    even if you were told." Habakkuk 1:5

Have a great week my friends!

Monday Confessions, MLK Day

                January is in full swing and it's time to reflect on MLK day 2016. If you're familiar at all with "Kid President,"  you know he's awesome! I want to share this short video with you with his thoughts on MLK. 

I love this on so many levels... DO what YOU can do, keep moving!

Happy Monday my friends! 

The R Family

   I have to say, as strange as this warm weather has been through fall and winter, it has been great for photo sessions. I never thought I would break a sweat at a session on Thanksgiving weekend but it made for a great family photo shoot. We met this great family through the St. Andrew's community and it's easy to see why we get along! As we set out for their session, we wanted to accomplish using their home and the landscape to get some true to life family photos. Let me know how you think we did!

We started little Miss G, who was just shy of her first birthday in this session!

We moved it outside and how handsome are these two?!

 What's not to love about a boy and his dog? Sweet Chloe is 14 years old! 

Monday Confessions

      Oh the joy of Monday....feet hitting the floor and coffee being poured. Ok lets be honest, it's not always joy. It can feel daunting but at the same time, it's a fresh start. Every Monday is an opportunity to start over! So here with are with a new week ahead and I should get some confessions off my chest...

1.   I  confess that I finished all 6 seasons of the show Parenthood and I ADORED it! I know they're just fictional characters but the show touched on SO many different aspects of family life. I have to admit, it also made me feel better about having four kids. It can be daunting many days with four young children, but this show reminded me that the long haul is a beautiful thing! What other shows like this did I miss along the way? What should I check out next?

2.  I remember as a girl scout, we used to eat this snack called "puppy chow." I know, normally we should be offended by eating something referring to dog food but it's so yummy you won't care! It's been revived on the Chex site, as "muddy buddies" (more appealing name :). Check out the recipe here if you want a fun and easy snack to make with kiddos. (It does have peanut butter so might not be a good allergy friendly option).

emilytroutmanphoto.com

3. Although after this snack talk, it's making me hungry! I have to say though, slow and steady wins the race. I got on some jeans yesterday that hadn't fit in a while! One day at a time friends...(and I did the happy dance!) I did live through the 21 Day Fix Total Body cardio workout this morning!  (Some people have been asking if I am still coaching and indeed I am. Contact me if you're interested in making a change to your health and fitness.) 

4. Can I just say that neighbors are a blessing? If you don't know your neighbors, get out and meet them. We have been blessed with a few good ones (although there are a few we would be happy to live without!) I know where that whole "it takes a village" saying comes from, because our neighbors often have our back. 

5. Did you catch that Vikings and Seahawks game yesterday?! All I could think of was Ace Ventura and "laces out!" I hope that kicker doesn't go crazy over that miss. 

6. I confess I drive around and see ugly houses for sale and think "What would Jojo do to make that better?" If you don't know about my (& many other people's) design crush, check out Fixer Upper on HGTV.

Well friends, I think that's it for me today, I must get moving on other tasks and loving on these crazy kids! Big hugs to you and have a great week! 

Project TEN - January

      Every year I think I will get better at documenting life. I am talking more of the every day than the "dress up and show the internet" type photos.  Lets face it, in the wise words of Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." I feel like this A LOT. With four young children coming into our lives in a fairly short amount of time, we have many moments that are just a blur. This is one huge reason I am excited to join the lovely ladies of Project TEN, where we will all commit to a monthly "life" photography post of ten images on the tenth. I love this idea to push me to do more personal work. I have already enjoyed it in my first month, just because I had to have my camera around for more things than just "work." 

My favorite time of day...to check in on the kids when they're asleep. I can rest assured that minion Kevin is keeping an eye out! 

He loves watching his mobile...

The days after Christmas were filled with toys, electronics and Christmas spirit!

Someone is holding his head up and getting ready to be on the move!

A sweet big brother moment...

A little slice of my life after school one day...thank goodness Santa still puts things in my stocking!

This was his greeting to me as he hopped in the car after school!

Love this girl...my rearview reminds me of who I am watching out for...

If you want to check out what the rest of the Project Ten gang is up to, here are their links!

Katie Hall (Newark, Delaware)- http://katiehallcreative.com/| https://www.facebook.com/katiehallcreative

Paula Richwine (Newark, Delaware) - http://richestwinephotography.com/| https://www.facebook.com/richestwinephoto

Cait Jensen (West Chester, PA) - http://www.photographyjensen.com/| https://www.facebook.com/photographyjensen

Lisa O'Brien - (Wrentham, Massachusetts) - https://www.facebook.com/lisaobrienphoto

Rebecca Bender (Winfield, IA) - http://rebeccabenderphotography.zenfolio.com/| https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-Bender-Photography/139668796110338?pnref=lhc

Parker Slaton (Newark, Delaware) - http://slatons.blogspot.com  | https://www.facebook.com/ParkerSlatonPhotography

Claire Bunn (Philadelphia, PA) - www.clairebunnphotography.com| https://www.facebook.com/ClaireBunnPhoto?fref=nf&pnref=story

Rae Barnes (Philadelphia, PA) - http://raebarnes.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/raebarnesphotography

Lisa Turner(Chattanooga, TN) - https://www.facebook.com/LLturnerphotography

Erin Gregerson (Kauai, Hawaii) - http://www.eringregerson.com

https://www.facebook.com/ErinGregersonPhotography/

Kelly Lapp (Lancaster, PA) http://kellylappphotography.com |https://www.facebook.com/kellylappphotography  

Stacy Hart (Dover, DE) http://www.stacyhart.com| https://www.facebook.com/stacyhartphotography/

Heather Butler (Dover, DE) http://www.heatherbutlerphotography.com https://www.facebook.com/heatherbutlerphotography

Kate Neal (Bloomfield, NJ) http://www.katenealphoto.comhttps://www.facebook.com/KateNealPhoto

Monday Confessions

   So remember last year how I had this "resolution" to be more active in documenting every day life? I really don't think I made consistent strides in that area though this year, as much as I wanted to. I have some exciting news though that this year I am joining in the Project Ten gang! This is a wonderful and very talented group of photographers that commit to one post each month, with ten photos on the tenth, of personal work. 

The gang from last year was:

Rebecca Bender (Winfield, IA) – 

Claire Bunn (Philadelphia, PA) – 

Katie Hall (Newark, Delaware)- 

Cait Jensen (West Chester, PA) – 

Kelly Lapp (Lancaster, PA) 

Lisa O’Brien – (Wrentham, Massachusetts) – 

Paula Richwine (Newark, Delaware) – 

Parker Slaton (Newark, Delaware) – 

Lisa Turner(Chattanooga, TN) – 

Rae Barnes (Philadelphia, PA) -

I am part of the newbie group adding for this year along with Stacy Hart, Heather Butler, Pleasant Vonnoh, and Erin Greggerson.

I am really excited to be pushed in this direction because I both want to document more real life, as well as using my camera outside of working endeavors! Check back on the tenth to see what I come up with...

As for this Monday of being back to reality with work, school, and other commitments, I am thankful for grace upon grace this morning! 

Monday Confessions, Post-Christmas Perspective

     It's the week between Christmas and the new year. I am on my couch surveying the post-Christmas chaos. I have one kid setting up a lego set, another kid playing with dolls and yet another child that I had to just have a discussion with on thankfulness. So often parenting hits me right where I need to be hit. Giving the "you shouldn't be complaining about what you didn't get and go play with and enjoy what you did get" speech is probably a good thing for all of us. It's easy to look around at what's hard or what's hectic. Instead this season though, I have been challenging myself to choose joy. Choose joy in the chaos or struggles, and trust me we have had them. I literally had a break down and cry moment two weeks ago when it was one thing too many with a sick baby, a car that needed repair and an endless to do list.

    There are things over the past couple weeks that have challenged my perspective. Last Monday I went to the viewing for a friend's mother who was laid to rest far too young from a degenerative disease. One friend just delivered a 34 week baby boy after a very challenging journey to get pregnant and we are all praying for him to come home quickly. Another friend is walking through yet another miscarriage after having been given hope for a healthy pregnancy. It seems unfair. I have a snuggly, chubby baby boy chatting to his animals in his crib right now. It's a gut check. Something about this time of year makes the loss more acute and the joy more sweet. 

   Over the last year I have come to really enjoy and be challenged by the writing of Shauna Niequist. I have deeply been challenged by her thoughts on hospitality and life around the table (more on that another time). I have been enjoying her daily devotional thoughts in her book Savor. On Christmas day I was stopped in my tracks because she perfectly penned what I had been feeling. She writes, "My prayer is that we'll find ourselves drawn closer and closer to the heart of the story, the beautiful, beating heart of it all, that the chaos around us and within us will recede, and the most important things will be clear and lovely at every turn. I pray that we will understand the transforming power that lies in saying no, because it's an act of faith, a tangible demonstration of the belief that you are so much more than what you do. I pray that we'll live with intention, hope, and love in this wild season and in every season, and that the God who loves us will bring new life to our worn-out hearts this year and every year, that we'll live, truly and deeply, in the present, instead of waiting, waiting, waiting for the perfect."

  So as I take stock in 2015 and look forward to 2016, I will be continuing to try to be "present, not perfect" and daily sift through what matters to focus on. I have a huge list of things I wish I had been able to get to more of, like blogging more of my photography work or reading more books but sometimes those things just don't fall to the forefront of what matters that day. I know there are seasons of life and in this one with many little people in my house, one day at a time is my best way to operate. Much love to you all in the new year!

(In case you missed our one family photo from Christmas that was on the iPhone because I reapplied half way to Grandma's house that my "real" camera was still on the kitchen table and we weren't turning back. Two kids are still in PJs, Ben looks thrilled, and who knows what Maxwell was doing...Just gotta' roll with it sometimes...)

Saying Goodbye

    I have some very hard news to share and have intentionally left it off of social media while we processed it as a family. I don't really have it in me to write much about it yet as I am already crying just attempting to pen this post. On Friday we said goodbye to our bulldog of almost 9 years. He had seen us through all our babies coming home, our house move, and was basically our sidekick through most of our almost ten year marriage. When a dog ages, things can get hard. This was a heartbreaking decision but was a long time coming with various issues involved.

   Some would say well "he was just an animal" but animals become a huge part of your life and family for the time that they are with you. My kids only know life with Doz in the house. It has been really their first life lesson in loss. As with any grief though, I am sure it will come in moments or waves. We will be reminded of him in the strangest ways I am sure. We have already felt his loss deeply. We feel it, even at moments like pulling in the driveway and knowing he won't be here to greet us. As heavy as our hearts are, we know he's at peace. I prefer the 'all dogs go to heaven' philosophy (not really here to defend that one, just easier for me at this moment). 

Dozer buddy, we already miss you like crazy but we know you've made it over the rainbow bridge and are a peace. May there be tug of war ropes and plenty of sunshine for you to lay in wherever you are....