Oh, the spring rain ... it's been raining on and off for three days now. The air is clean. The smell is fresh. It's so renewing, the rain washes away the old and delivers the new. I just love it. It gives me a feeling of renewal as well. Mind, body and soul.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; all things are new"
2Cor. 17

I've been thinking about the people and relationships in my life ... the different roles they each play and how each relationship makes me, well, me. Interesting. My husband is my best friend, he gives me strength and comfort. He always makes me laugh and loves me like no other. Then there's my children who look at me for oh so many things. I am teacher, nuturer, doctor, listener, disciplinarian, playmate. I am their example ... which always gives me the drive to be the very best I can be. Just as me parents were always my example and to some degree still are. They are givers, others-centered, selfless. I have the utmost respect for them. To my friends I am a confident, a shoulder to lean on, someone to share a laugh with .... as they are to me. And first and foremost is my realtionship with God.

It's these relationships that make me who I am and I am grateful. There is always room for improvement, but I know I am who I need to be right now.

My work gives me passion and a drive. My recent shoot was for this expecting mama and her young son. I actually did a pregnency shoot for her when she was pregnant with her son five years ago. And here we go again ... We set up the "in house" studio and spent the morning together. It was a blessing. We shot in black and white with studio lights for a more dramatic look, as thats what we the first time around and she wanted a similar look.I set the camera in manual mode at 1/125, f.8 for a soft feel. The young boy was so excited about being an older brother, and showered his mama and her belly with affection.

The five year age difference between this boy and his soon-to-be baby sister reminded me greatly of my own children. My son was five and could hardly wait for his new sister. The night she was born, he was there and was the first to hold her (after me, of course). He loves her so and now three year later, they have an undescribable bond. He looks out for her, takes care of her. They truly love each other. For me, its a comfort to watch and a joy in my heart.

We got to spend the day outside, playing, running, giggling. There was much fun to be had and what fun it was. I love to hear the laughter, the joy ... such timeless moments.