New Memories

We are full on into the moving process now. I'm not even a fan of packing for a trip, much less for a move. But at the same time I love how moving helps you simplify and get rid of things you don't need, and also leads you to find things with special memories attached that you haven't seen in awhile.



This next few weeks are going to be fun, busy, stressful, and bittersweet all at the same time. I'm ready to move now, set down my roots in a new place (that really isn't too far from home now). I'll miss this place where we've made so many memories, but I'm sure we'll waste no time filling the new place with them.

The Real Reason

I think as far as weather and climate, ol' VA is a pretty stable location. We've never had to deal with severe weather, we get to enjoy a variety of seasons (although we all know I prefer the hot one), and there aren't any crazy predators wandering around other than my children.

It makes me grateful that all this severe weather we've been hearing of around the world (tornados, earthquakes, tsunamis) really doesn't affect us that often. Sure we had a couple of tornados here last week, but that's not the norm. I really can't wrap my mind around what these people are going through, and I kind of feel guilty for that. We are here, safe so much of the time, that I often take it for granted.

I think that I've been made aware of the fact that just because I'm not directly affected by this weather, doesn't really mean it doesn't affect me. People around the world have lost homes, or more importantly, people they love. As another human, as a follower of Christ, I'm called to "bear another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2). So, even if my family is safe, and my house is still standing, I now realize the reason for that probably isn't where I live. The reason is so that I can take in someone who may not have been so fortunate.

First shot is my pick for Trendy Treehouse, Second is my pick for Sweet Shot, and Third is for Perceptive Perspectives.

Just another manic...

(Everybody now!) ...MONDAY. I feel like I've been doing this a lot lately...this saying "ohmygosh I'm so busy". So I'll try not to say it again. But, finally I can give more details about all our "changes" around here. My husband has a new job as a Director of Operations with a local Chick-Fil-A, so that's the reason for our big (as in 25 minute) move! We are very excited about this move, as it will simplify our crazy schedule, allow him to have a single job, and free up more time for us as a family, and also more time for stuff like this: (photoshoots, hobbies, sleeping...ok, maybe not sleeping. Who does that?)

We are really going to miss the students/people we've worked with these last three years or so. Both my babies were born while at this church, practically raised in the nursery and in the gymnasium where we spend so much time with the students. (Both of these girls who I did a shoot with last weekend were/are students as well as family) It's going to be so...weird. But an exciting kind of weird. Which is, I guess, the best kind of weird you can get.

Here's to changes, and to all the people who have prayed/loved/hugged/helped us to where we are right now, and are supporting us as we see what God has next for us.

Honestly...

Ok, so I'm not even sure why I'm admitting to this, but this gorgeous hydrangea? Not from my yard. It was in my neighbor's yard. I sneaked some shots while we were out playing the other day. In my defense, it's close the the property line. Shameful, I know, but I'm a sucker for hydrangeas. The neighbors didn't notice, I don't think.

Merrick did, however. He yells from our yard, "MOM! You're too far! Come back!" I really don't want to raise a trespasser, so I wandered back across the line. And he'd be sure to tattle on me next time he saw the neighbors. "Hey, my mom was in your yard." I'd be mortified I'm sure, but I'd deserve it. ;)

Check out more shots at ThePaperMama

Referring is Awesome.

I did a session Easter weekend with a sweet family. I'd actually never met them before, but a referral from an awesome lady from our church (that saint who first trusted me with her family portraits) that led to another referral. It's the biggest compliment ever when people recommend you to their friends.

It just says, "I like what you do, and think other people will, too." So thanks for all that referring. It is much appreciated! The session last weekend was my first with 2 children. It added a bit more spice, to be sure, but was also a lot of fun capturing each of the girls and their different personalities.

I had a great time getting to know this family, and am hoping to see more of these cute kids as they grow!