Our Ten Year Anniversary and our kiddos!

      The traditional anniversary gift for the ten year anniversary is tin or aluminum. The modern day gift is diamond jewelry. Thank goodness Matt took the modern approach! He surprised me on our trip with a beautiful anniversary band. Today officially marks a decade of marriage for Matt and I! Although it's hard to believe all that we've been through in the last ten years, it also it hard to believe how quickly life passes us by. On this day ten years ago, I really had no clue other than I was in love and ready to dive in with both feet! I can honestly say though that I love Matthew more today than I did that day. It's the kind of love that has been stretched and tested. It's the kind of love that endures. 

    Although today is our anniversary, I had planned to finally blog a photo session of our kiddos from June. I think it appropriate to celebrate on this day a bit of the blessing of these past ten years, some of the biggest blessings being our four children. 

"Children are a gift from the Lord;
    they are a reward from him.
 Children born to a young man
    are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
 How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!"

Psalm 127: 3-4

Can I just confess too that as a photographer, it can be a struggle to take photos of my own kids. This was actually a spur of the moment photo session right before bedtime one night, so I am lucky it worked at all. It was a combination of bribing, being silly and threatening to make this happen :) I confess that I always feel pressure to have amazing photos of my own family but sometimes life just doesn't work that way! I am thankful though for the times that we push through and just make it happen! Have a great weekend friends!

Project TEN August

 "Have courage and be kind" hangs on a sign over her bed. Although this quote comes from the Cinderella movie, it truly is my wish for her as she grows. She is naturally a sweet soul so I have no doubt as to her kindness, but may she always have courage when she needs it! My project ten for August is focusing on my sweet 7 year old Macy and we drew some inspiration from her summer sunhat. May she always be beautiful inside and out!  (She chose the outfits herself)

Make sure to check out these other ladies participating in Project TEN to see what they're up to in life and photography! Katie Hall, Paula Richwine, Cait Jensen, Lisa O’Brien, Rebecca Bender, Parker Slaton, Rae Barnes, Erin Gregerson, Kelly Lapp, Kate Neal, Heather Butler

Monday Confessions, the endless summer & a few things I am currently loving

                  As a teenager I would've loved the idea of the endless summer. As a mom though, this summer is feeling endless. Don't get me wrong, we've enjoyed the together time, the weather, adventures, the change of pace and so many other things. I am just feeling though, that there is a reason that most kids thrive on a routine. As Shauna Niequist recently wrote upon her last evening at their summer lake house, "It's time for bedtimes & vegetables & haircuts & back to school shopping." I am feeling ready for these routines myself.

    I think God knew our souls would need seasons. We need fresh chances, changes of scenery and other subtle transitions to move ourselves forward in life. I am both trying to savor what's left of summer in these next few weeks and also prepare myself for what lies ahead.  In 4 weeks, you might have to remind me that I asked for the back to school routine when I am packing lunches, checking homework and cattle prodding kids in different directions! I am also going to pick up teaching again this fall semester so I will have a back to school transition for myself as well. 

  As we enter the second week of August, here's a handful of things I am currently loving. 

1. I confess that I used to listen to Tom Petty's greatest hits album in my walkman while cutting the grass as a young teen. No, I am not kidding. Don't knock it until you try it! Sing a little free falling while emptying the grass clippings my friends. Because I have this affinity for Tom Petty, I was more than excited to discover Sirius XM radio has a Tom Petty greatest hits station going on right now on channel 31. You're welcome. "Running down a dream...."

2. Over the weekend I checked out Christy Nockels new podcast, the Glorious in the Mundane.   I was already a fan of her music so I figured I would see what she had to say. I love the concept of the podcast, which came from a season of life she experienced herself. She writes this, "We all sense that we are made for more and have dreams and plans for Kingdom things but often we work from a place of exhaustion because we're ultimately looking to ourselves and our performance to keep ourselves "on the map" in terms of relevance, culture and spirituality." I can definitely relate feeling the pressure to keep up. It's the constant pressure we put on oursleves to perform and try to live up to sometimes impossible standards. I am looking forward to listening to what she and her guests chat about!

3. I tried the new Starbucks drink over the weekend called the Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato. Yes, that's A LOT of adjectives and don't forget to add tall, grande, or vent in there when ordering. I have to say though it was yummy! Every once in a while it pays off to try something new.

4. I confess that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale got me on a few items! I know that I have linked to this mama's blog before but she did a great job breaking down items to purchase to go with different outfits. I snagged a great pair of lighter blue skinny jeans and an olive colored tunic length button down. The jeans will mix into my every day fall wardrobe and I am hoping to work the top into my teaching wardrobe! What are some current items you hope to mix into your fall clothing?

5. Poldark on PBS....A friend tipped me off to this and I have binge watched almost all 8 episodes this week! If you love Downton or other similar series, you will love this one. Aidan Turner definitely does the role justice and is pretty easy on the eyes. The series focuses on what happens with the common folk in England after the revolutionary war as well as the upper class . The divide between classes is still a huge theme but it's a bit more gritty than Downton with more interaction with "vulgar" characters. (It's currently free as a part of Amazon Prime this month if you're a member.)

If you are a new blog reader here, welcome. Monday confessions is just a mixture of musings, likes, dislikes and current happenings in my life. It's just a little open window into my days to let you know what's going on with me in between my photography posts. It's just a little bit of everything!  

An anniversary trip to the Bahamas!

  I one heard someone say, "Vacations are cheaper than divorces." I sort of laughed it off but then I really thought about it. What does it look like to invest in your marriage instead of letting it shred apart? I know how much daily life can peck away at even a strong foundation. Relationships have seasons and especially with small children at home, you have to work to keep things going. Earlier this year Matt and I were talking about the upcoming decade anniversary and decided that after making it through Ben's first birthday, we would take a trip. If you know me at all, you know that I clip coupons and shop deals. Spending money on a trip or anything that feels like an extravagance, instead of an essential, can be hard for me! I thought back to that quote though about vacations being cheaper than divorces. If you truly invest a little bit into your marriage , even just a few days away together, can make a marked difference in your relationship. 

  For five whole days we were just Matt and Emily. We could sip a drink on a beach chair or take a ride in a two seater kayak over the turquoise ocean. We weren't regulated by a child's meal or nap schedule. We didn't have four shadows behind us everywhere we went or interrupting our every conversation. Of course we treasure our season of family life, but let's face it, it's exhausting. Each day is filled with so much flat out work to keep things going with four young kids. It was refreshing to us each personally and as a relationship to get away. I think we are going to commit to do things together more, even on a much smaller scale.

   Yesterday morning I was laying awake, with the slow creep of our real life filling my brain. I knew we would be on a plane back home that evening. I couldn't fall back asleep so I decided to go watch the sun come up over the ocean. My camera was majorly fogged so I had to finesse it a bit but I eventually got a few shots. I am so glad I did go watch the sunrise though because I can cling to that beauty when I am back in the mundane. Even today I have wrestled with children who need things, laundry to be washed, dishes to be put away, and meals to be planned, along with a pile of business to-do's waiting for me. While I am dealing with the monotony and mandatory, I can remember what it felt like to see the aqua ocean, to watch fish swim in and out of rocks, to watch the sun sift through the palm over my head and even just the smile of my husband over an icy fruity drink with island rum.  

I really can't believe it's been ten years. I hardly recognize those kids in the wedding photos. I might have more to say on that another day, such as things learned in a decade of marriage. Thanks for a wonderful trip Matt and here's to the next ten years!

A few minutes after sunrise over Grand Bahama island.

I spotted this washed up buoy a couple hours after sunrise in Grand Bahama with the sun high in the sky! Looks inviting doesn't it?!

(For anyone wondering though, we had a fantastic trip booking experience through vacationsexpress.com. I was afraid it wasn't legit or wouldn't be nice but it very much was and everything was amazing! We were already talking about going back again, maybe even WITH our kids!)

To Ben on his first birthday

  Dear Benjamin,

    In a way, I wonder how it has only been 12 months that you've been with us because we cannot imagine our family without you! You've brought something to us that we didn't even know we needed! Your sweet smile and hearty giggles are like balm to our souls. You pop up in your crib with a good morning grin each day and have been the certainly the cutest roommate I've ever had (sorry daddy). 

We decided to name you Benjamin, as Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob. Your middle name, Dewey, came from Daddy's beloved Poppop who lives in heaven. We wanted you to know your legacy and hold your place as our little caboose, our youngest son. 

Your baby days have been different for me in so many ways than with your siblings. Maybe it's because I know you're my last or maybe it's because I brought you home to other big kids. With your big siblings, life was an absolute blur of moments. We moved into our current home with 3 kids in cribs and diapers. When you made your appearance, everyone was potty trained and not a baby toy in sight. You have had everyone to dote on you. It has been sweet to see your big brothers and sister adore you! You patiently listen as they try to read to you. You smile as you terrorize their big kids games and toys. They joke that you're a little bit like "baby godzilla" to their lego creations. You have single handedly brought so much more love and joy into our home. You're affectionately called "cute boy" around here, which I am sure you will just love when you're older! 

Yes, Mommy is more tired than ever with more gray hair than ever. Yes, Daddy has had a whirlwind of days and nights between work and family. We are more confident as parents with you but more acutely aware of the speediness of time. We know these moments won't keep and you're determined to grow. We do subtly see ourselves becoming smitten with you, therefore creating that "baby of the family gets away with everything" mentality. I absolutely can see how that can happen! So much of your first year you've been along for the ride of where the family was already headed. You happily rode along to many school drop offs and pick ups (ok, a few of those rides weren't so happy)! It's been more fun celebrating your firsts with your siblings cheering you on and getting excited for you. We look forward to continuing to watching you grow in this life. We will count it a joy to shepherd you and see what God has in store for the sweet boy with the big blue eyes and charm! 

May this blessing ring true over your little life,

‘May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’ Numbers 6:22-27

With so much love from Mommy! Xoxo.

July 24, 2016,  Rehoboth Beach Delaware

Monday Confessions after a birthday weekend!

  A first birthday can bring up so many emotions, but mostly for me it's a sense of triumph. We have made it through the first 12 months of life with this tiny human! Ben does not turn one until this upcoming weekend but we celebrated yesterday with family! I have been trying to write this blog post all day but every time I come back to it, I get interrupted with life! So here's an iPhone shot of yesterday's festivities and hopefully I can write a little more to Ben over the weekend...

1. What is it with the UTZ party mix?! It's addicting. My kids beg for it when we actually throw a party and I managed to avoid touching it until this afternoon. Three bites eventually turned into 3 handfuls and then I RAN away!

2. Speaking of running, I only ran once last week. Here's to this week...although it's 100 degrees out and I haven't worked out yet today. I am working on planning better but not being laden with guilt, because lets be honest, guilt is a mother's middle name!

3, It's 4pm and I still don't know what's for dinner. I am struggling in this department this summer!

4. Struggling to force the kids to do summer reading consistently. Anyone with me?! We go in fits and starts. I am trying....I swear. 

5. I loved this blog post today from Kilee over at One Little Mama about 5 things that make a productivity difference when working from home! I think my favorite was "Do one thing that can't get undone." Anyone else have great ideas for work at home mamas? Even after 7 years, I KNOW I need better systems. (P.S. I adore Kilee's style so thats how I started following her on instagram. Isn't she adorable?!)

6. I took 4 kids to target to shop with gift cards today. We lived and I purchased NOTHING for myself or groceries or home. This is some kind of record.

7. After Target, we strolled through the mall where I passed Pottery Barn and looked wistfully through the window, remembering life before kids. I see all those pretty things now as objects to be stained, ruined or broken. Of course life with kids is full of action, fun and love....but every once in a while I remember back to decorating our home and it was still how I left it when I would get home from work. Now I can't leave one room to the other room without preparing for disaster! 

8. I am exciting to be traveling alone with my husband in a couple weeks to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. I realized earlier today that I haven't been on a plane in years :( This is crazy for me because in my young adult days, I would hop on a plane at least once a year or more. Who has great ideas for packing for a short trip in a carry on?!

9. I confess that RHONJ is back on tv and I am tempted to watch. I know, I know...but when you've watched from the beginning, it just seems like you should be committed, right?!

10. I have started listening to podcasts while running instead of music. I find that the more engaged my brain is, the less it thinks about how it's dying. Stuff you missed in History class is a fun one if you like to know about random things from the past. Bet you didn't know there was a manure crisis in NYC in the 1800's or that the French rebelled against German occupation with their fashions? I know I didn't know about either of those things until I listened! You can thank French ingenuity for the cork and wood wedge shoe! Because those materials weren't rationed in WWII, the French designers explored them as options for soles of shoes and the wedge was born! 

Delaware Beach Portraits

“The sun and the sand and a drink in my hand with no bottom /

And no shoes, no shirt, and no problems.” - Kenny Chesney

The beach has always been one of my favorite places and Kenny Chesney is usually the perfect sound track to any ocean adventure! I grew up on the Delaware shores between Fenwick and Lewes, depending on the summer. Naturally I am excited when a family contacts me to capture their memories on the beach!

When this beautiful family from NY contacted me in the cold of spring, I could only imagine what July would feel like on the beach. I had the pleasure of doing their large family session while the extended family was all here in DE for vacation over July 4th week. We broke the session down into smaller family groups as well, so not to overwhelm this blog post I will just share a handful! Happy summer! 

This beautiful large family group portrait was the goal of the session but there was lots of fun mixed in as well! 

If you are looking to book a family session at the beach, I am now booking through August! emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com 

Monday Confessions, some summer favorites!

   Hello, can you all believe it's July 4 next week? I, for one, cannot!! I just survived a week with double vacation bible school week at our church and if you have ever been a part of one of those, you know the feeling! I have officially survived the first 4 weeks of summer with all four kids at home. So for this Monday morning friends, I thought it might be a good time for an installment of some things I am loving instead of my regular confessions! 

(For those that are keeping an eye out for my book recommendations, that will be it's own blog post coming soon!)

1. Friends, grocery pick up, has revolutionized my life a bit this summer. You probably can't be a control freak and use this service, but in the interest of keeping my sanity, I am embracing it! I do not want to drag four uncooperative children into forage for food. I order everything online and then pick it up at a specific time! I feel like I am actually more organized with my list and coupons, as well as not throwing all kinds of extra items in the cart. Shop Rite provides this service in my area and there's usually even coupon codes. You pull up to the front row parking spot, call in the number and they BRING the food out to you! Life changing! (And if you are having a baby or something else that's making it really hard to get out, they will even deliver!)

2. Steph Rothstein, an amazing female runner/athlete who shares REAL photos of herself! Her running posts inspire me to hit the pavement but also I love the message she's sharing. It's not only OK to be different after having babies, but it can still be beautiful! 

3. We all love Chip & Jojo, but because I pre-ordered their Magnolia Story book, I got to read the first chapter! Of course, it's the story of their first date and of course I ADORED it! 

4. Summer is the perfect time to embrace iced drinks! If you are following along at all, I have 4 kids at home all summer and am still trying to run a business. Iced coffee in the afternoon is a perfect pick me up! I am loving this caramel Starbucks version straight from the grocery store....

5. Running! I have gotten back into it. Call me a fair weather runner if you want but honestly I think that I just need some breathing room out of the house when I work out. Running has been a perfect outlet to burn some calories and clear my head (but I may have a broken toe. Another story for another day...) Do you have a favorite distance plan or track workout to share with me?

6. If you liked Downton Abbey, there's a new PBS show called Home Fires (I watched through Amazon Prime.) It's based on a novel and it's a story of a group of ladies who rallied around their town during WWII. I liked the characters and of course the beautiful scenery.  I never really tire of the WWII genre so I say keep bringing it! Season 1 is only 6 episodes, which I got through fairly quickly as my laundry folding show! 

7. For mother's day I got a really cute t-shirt from Milk and Honey T's. I have the gray one that says Be Still but I would adore any and all of them in my closet! This T is super soft and perfect for summer!

8. I am really loving the time with my kids...I know it sounds crazy because it feels impossible and hard (which IT IS!), but it's also good. Life can be GOOD and HARD at the same time. I think we lose sight of this sometimes. I feel crazy trying to schedule work time around them but at the same time, I am soaking in the moments and memories. My husband has even been home for lunch with us most days, so although I feel like we are tearing through food with everyone, it's been a lot of together time! 

Drooling and crawling are his jam these days...

9. This isn't a favorite but it's a question, what is Hamilton? What am I missing? What is the excitement? Do I need to listen to the music? 

10. What's my next show I need to watch? Matt and I are still in the middle of Blacklist but might need a new suggestion! 

 A full book review post is coming soon on my latest reads...I hope this is a start to another great week for you friends!

Endings, new beginning and sweet summertime...

Summer has officially begun! It has kicked off as a time of endings, as well as new beginnings. One such celebration for so many in June is graduation. I had the privilege at the end of last month to photograph graduation at St. Andrew's School. We had a perfectly warm and sunny day to enjoy the outdoor ceremony. The ceremony was filled with beautiful thoughts about both saying goodbye and new adventures that lie ahead. Honestly, I could take some advice from these wise 18 year olds! These are just a handful of shots from the day but you get the idea of the beauty, joy, and accomplishment in the air that day!

Co-President Anton Delgado ’16 encouraged his classmates and underformers to cherish the smaller moments of their time at St. Andrew’s, and reminded us to, as the beloved St. Andrew’s motto has it, seize the day. “The universe will never give you the perfect moment," Anton said. "Whether you're trying to work up the courage to tell someone you love them, or thinking about the Polar Bear jump, there is always going to be something that makes it seem like you should wait just one more day—that tomorrow, all the stars with align and then it will be the right moment to act. But I promise: if you keep sitting on that fence and waiting for the world to work in your favor, it won't ever happen. Don't wait for your parents, your teachers, or your gods to give you that perfect moment. Because that moment is yours to take."

Co-President Anton Delgado ’16

Co-President Juliette Neil ’16 acknowledged her deep uncertainty about her future and who she would be in it, and her fear of experiencing failure outside the relative safety of St. Andrew’s

Every student received a copy of Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. It's been on my reading list and I look forward to snagging a copy myself to check out! 

Nothing like picking up your headmaster! :)

Closing prayer by Rev. Jay Hutchinson

Congrats to all the grads! They're all heading to different colleges this fall and I have no doubt we will hear from many of them in the future! 

Interested in hiring me to photograph your event? Please send inquiries to emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com

The K Family

"Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June." -Al Bernstein

As a photographer, I always enjoy capturing families together but there's nothing sweeter than an at home session on a summer evening! The K family and I had fun exploring their yard,  blowing bubbles, swinging swings, riding bikes and generally enjoying ourselves during our session! Kim and I had a funny moment about ten minutes in when I realized we knew each other! We had graduated high school together 16 years ago (almost to the day) and as it dawned on me, I did the awkward "I know you!" Thankfully she remembered me and didn't think I was crazy. I love how photography can bring things in life full circle for me! Getting to run into an old friend and seeing how beautiful her life is these days is a special treat. 

Project TEN June

Well it is starting to feel like summer around here! My kids are all done school and working on perfecting their scooter riding skills! I am technically a day late my friends but I was away over night with the kiddos. For Project TEN this month I focused on a handful of things we've been doing that really make me feel like summer is here! (Yes, if you count I have 12, had a hard time editing. Guess I need lots of grace this month ok?!)

A run through the sprinkler before a summer storm snuck up on us...

Sidewalk chalk is always a favorite

We've been regularly over at the little league fields this month!

Make sure to check out these other ladies participating in Project TEN to see what they're up to in life and photography! 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

Thoughts on Spring...

Spring here on the east coast has been so full of rain, yet this morning I see the sun! It's been a literal damper, but not all the severe weather of the middle states. It wasn't just the April showers this year! It is well into May and our forecast still shows scattered rain for the rest of the week. On a rare moment it wasn't raining, I caught a shot that just reminded me of the hope of spring! Don't you just want to hop on a go for a ride?!

“The sun just touched the morning;
The morning, happy thing,
Supposed that he had come to dwell,
And life would be all spring.” 
― Emily Dickinson

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