Wood?

This year was the big 0-5. Five years ago, on June 11th, we got hitched. *I looked it up, and 5th anniversary gifts are supposed to be wood. That sounds kind of lame to me. Who decided these things?) It seems like we've been married way longer than that. I mean that in the best way, of course. I guess what I mean is I can't imagine not being married to this guy. (Each of these photos are from around our anniversary that year...)

We knew we wanted to get married since he was literally 14, and a stalker. Not kidding, he totally stalked me. I was the sophisticated, hard to get older woman of 17. Ok...I was just older. But he still stalked me. I just didn't play hard to get very well. Much to my mother's dismay. She finally has stopped saying "he's too young for you" now that we have 2 kids. ;)

We've gotten to know each other pretty well in these last 5 years...10 years if you count all the time we knew we were meant for each other. I knew he was the one for me when he not only didn't care that I put my ice cream in the microwave before I ate it, but he joined me and put his in too.

We've gone through a lot together, a move or two, a kid or two, a fight or two, ahem, thousand...but it's still just us two. He's the person I first want to tell something, the person I can't sleep without, the person who makes me the maddest and happiest in the entire world.

There is so much in him I admire...and it doesn't hurt that he thinks I look great in sweatpants and no make-up. We have a lot to learn...we see that every day. But we also know how good we have it with each other. I think we'll stick it out. Plus I really want to get to next year's anniversary. I hear the sixth anniversary is "candy". ;) That's much better than wood.

Looking at all or nothing babe it's you and I, With you I know that I'm good for something So let's go and give it a try. We've got our backs against the ocean, It's just us against the world. Looking at all or nothing, babe it's you and I.
// All or Nothing, Theory of a Deadman

Time flies.

Time flies when you're having fun. So weird how that is true. And time drags by when you are bored or wanting it to hurry up. Guess that must be why this past year has flown by. We're having way too much fun around here. Almost exactly one year ago today I took photos of a much smaller, but still just as studly, Merrick swimming in a pool on our back porch.
I also weighed about 40 lbs. more at the time, and was begging and bargaining with God to make me go into labor with Tirzah. *Please, Lord...I'll do anything. Just give me contractions now!* At the time, it felt like time was dragging. I was so pregnant, and little did I know I still had all the way until 11:26 pm on my due date before Tirzah would be born. Thank goodness I didn't know that then. There would have been a mental breakdown I think.

But this last year with her? Where on earth did it go? And Merrick? He's lost all his "baby". He is all little boy, and it makes me cry and feel so proud all in the same moment. He is talking and saying things that take me by surprise because they actually are in English. He is even trying out his English as a means of talking mom into things, if his long eyelashes and big baby-blues don't work, that is.

We're getting close to Tirzah's first birthday. My sweet little girl is growing so fast, and doing new things all the time. She is clapping, cruising and waving, and even put my sunglasses on at the pool today. I know, I know...she's a genius. Every minute with them is awesome. *It is easier to think these happy thoughts while they are snoozing in their beds, I know...but even in the trenches of the whining hour I know it's true, too.*

I am not wishing the time to pass any faster, but I think the fact that it is says a lot about just how stinkin much I love these kiddos, and the time I've been given to be in their lives.

This week at YouCapture the theme was "water". Check out the link for more shots!

...and it was good.

Just notice this little sun-flare powered moment while taking a walk with the kids. Thankful for every little moment with the two of them. They are growing so fast. One day they'll be pushing me in a wheel-chair, for now I'm grateful I'm still pushing them around. ;)

"God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good." (Genesis 1:31)

How I see it...

Recently I had the chance to do my first newborn/family shoot. Ya know, that didn't involve someone I gave birth to. ;) So...a few brave souls actually asked me to take their pictures for them. I was honored, and terrified, all at the same time. What if I messed up?

Thankfully by the grace of God and photoshop...I did not. Mess up, that is. I mean...I tend to jabber and say embarrassing things while nervous...but I didn't count that part. These sweet people even thanked me many times and said I was talented. Said they would recommend me to friends and even hire me again. It was music to my very amateur ears.

I am enjoying this hobby turned obsession so much, and hope that I never get stale or feel like I got enough swagger and stop pushing myself. Also that I continue to have the opportunity to find people, learn a little bit about them and myself, through these lenses I am aquiring.

Sounds cheesy maybe...but I feel like this camera is a gift I've been given. I've been handed a camera that's helped me to slow down and notice the beauty around me, and find ways to share it with the people in my life. It's also helped me notice the details...things I didn't see before.

I had a great time getting to know this family a little bit better, and hopefully show exactly who they are. And when it comes down to it...I think that's the whole point.

This week at i♥faces the theme was "babies". Check out the link for more shots.

Rite of Passage

I know every girl loves her chocolate. Well, most girls. There are a few, like my little sister who is certifiably insane, who does not like chocolate. Life must be a lot simpler for her. I am truly jealous. Godiva and Hershey do not scream her name, or whisper "eat me" in her ear like they do to me.

From the looks of this picture...I think Godiva was whispering in Tirzah's ear the other evening. *More accurately, my cocoa powder I have in a canister in the kitchen. Ew.* I was in my bedroom working on editing a shoot, when she crawled into the room. I paid no attention until Merrick says "Oh! Baby happen?"

I realized, after the initial "what is on your FACE?!" shock that she had gotten into the canister of cocoa powder. I do believe it was with a little help from big brother since she can't open the canisters herself. She had then proceeded to dump it all over the floor, my cookbooks that I don't use *shhh*, and, of course, herself. I then did what I always do when my kids make a big, hilarious mess. I cleaned it up got my camera.

Billy did not think the incident, or me photographing the incident, was quite as funny as I did. But he forgave me once he saw the pictures, cuz admittedly it's much funnier once the floor, and the kids, are clean. ;)