Summer ...
Oh, how full it has been, yet slow and long all at the same time.
Our days filled with bike rides, swimming, trips to the lake, trips to the coast, friends, family, sand, the ice cream man, climbing trees, running through the sprinklers, barbecues, football, late nights, and lazy, sleepy mornings.

The kiddos have grown so much this summer. Perhaps not physically, but I have seen many of changes in them, their personalities. I so enjoy watching them grow, take things in, process the information. While my heart wishes they could stay my babies forever ... the truth is they can't, and it's simply awesome to be a part of their learning and growing.

But at same time I can look at them and they are still my goofy, giggling kids. Innocent.

For me, I have also been busy with work ... summer is the time for weddings and outdoor portraits, whether it be a family, kiddos, or one of my personal favorites, pregnancy and newborn shots ... I truly love what I do. I am thankful for each job I book, working personally with my clients to capture just what they desire. Plus I get the chance to explore my own creativity.

And I am ever so grateful to work the way I do and be a stay at home mom all at the same time. Perhaps its not always easy, but I a true blessing ...



While summer is still here, fall is just around the corner and definitely in the air. The days are still warm, but the mornings and nights are chilly. The sun is setting earlier.

The kiddos go back to school next week. It's hard to believe I am going to have a fourth grader. He is ready though and I think he will do amazing. He is an intellect, he is a thinker, always working hard, striving to do his best. And our girlie girl is excited for her three morning a week preschool. Her only issue with school is having to cut on the lines, because it is more fun and interesting to "do my own thing."

We have been getting clothes and closets ready ... out with the old and in with the new ... buying school supplies, getting out backpacks.

Getting prepared for school has also gotten us on a kick of getting rid of the things we don't need. A cleansing has gone on in our home ... closets cleaned, clothes gone through, the garage and shed, a once over.

The kiddos got into it a bit. We had a two day yard sale ... and whatever did not sell, we simply donated. We told them any money their items brought in , they could each put in their own banks. It was a fun learning experience for them ... letting go of some old things, earning money and being responsible with it, and giving, as they each wanted to give their things away in the end to other kiddos who could enjoy them.

There's a desire to have less, live more simply. To store our treasures in heaven, not in our closets.

We're excited for fall ... the changes it will bring ...

But summer is not quite over yet ... one week left and we will enjoy the time!