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!

The Hunt

We had a wonderful, sunny Easter this past Sunday. Gorgeous early morning run (that's my kind of church service right there...), fellowship and worship with our church family, and more fellowship with our extended family.

We spent the afternoon grilling, lounging around in the sun, playing frisbee, and hunting for Easter eggs. It was easy for me to tell when I looked through my shots yesterday which ones were before the hunt and which ones were after. (Chocolate beards all around)

It was a great day, with many great reminders of the real reason we celebrate Easter. (I see those reminders so many places: my kids faces, the hazy light curling around us all as the sun goes down, the breath in my lungs each morning, and chocolate. I'm only kind of kidding.) Now excuse me while I go raid the kids' candy stash while they are sleeping. ;)

He is not here, but has risen! - Luke 24:6

(The last shot is my pick for Trendy Treehouse and Sweet Shot, and the middle is for You Capture)

New Life

So thankful for new life, and for the Giver of life as we start out this new week. Easter is a sweet reminder of the unimaginable gift we've been given, but I hope to live each day besides never forgetting the reason I live.

Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead. / Isaiah 26:19

Changes

There are a lot of changes going on around here lately. Some big, some small, some just potential. I'm not exactly able to talk about all of them quite yet. And no, I'm not pregnant. ;) (It's like a 'to be continued..." blog post. Annoying, right? But soon enough.)

Some things are the same...like how much I love this Spring weather, and playing outside with my kiddos, but we are going to be playing in a yard in a different location. Not too far, just moving a bit down the road closer to my hubby's work. (I sold a kidney just last week trying to pay for gas. And am currently searching Craig's list for a horse and buggy. Horse preferably included.) So this move is going to be a huge relief on our road weary household.

I'm excited about the changes, even though I'm totally a creature of habit. (I guess we all are to an extent.) What I'm not excited about is packing up our house in the swamp. I don't even like unloading the groceries, much less a whole house. Wonder how long I can put it off? Usually I pack night before when we go on trips...but I don't think that'll work with moving.

Check out more shots at The Paper Mama

(The last shot is my pick for this week)