A lot has happened in the news of our small community this last week. Two toddlers have drown in very tragic accidents. To no ones fault, these babies lost their lives before they had barely begun.

I cried a lot this week. Thinking about what I would do if one of my babies were suddenly gone.

It made me wonder if there was anything I’d do different in my life. Would I change anything dramatically? Would I whine and complain about the little things? Would it really matter if the kids made a big mess in the living room? Do I let my friends and family know how much I love them? Do I hold bitterness towards others?

I’ve hugged my kids more this week than any other week. I’ve spent more time with them and tried to think of all the fun things we can do together this summer. I wasted less time playing on the computer, and spent more time reading books to them.

I’m teary eyed just writing this because I know that even though these poor little lives are lost, it’s already done something good for someone.

It’s helped me realize how short life can be.

(and because I can’t leave on such a sad note, here’s some goofy pics of my littlest guy taking pictures of his mama.)

My Grandma LOVES purple. So when I saw this flower, I immediately thought of her. She wears purple, has a purple car and even had my uncle paint her house purple!

She reads my blog almost daily and is one of my biggest fans. Her heart is made of gold and she’s always doing volunteer work to help other people.  Whether it’s putting together dental kits for kids in need or making Norwegian goodies for people, she’s always up to something.

Last year she was diagnosed with lung cancer and after many months of radiation treatments, she won the battle and is now cancer free. She’s such a strong and amazing woman.

I love you very much, Grandma!!!!!!

Monday woke me up with screaming, fighting children at 7:00 a.m. on my first day of summer. Don’t these kids know that we’re supposed to sleep in when it’s summer?!

I guess not.

So on this lovely Monday morning I found myself saying the usual round of parental warnings. For instance, “don’t smash the graham crackers into the floor,” “dumping milk on the table isn’t a good idea,”  “please stop playing golf in the living room, or ” no, you CAN’T have chocolate for breakfast.” Finally, my personal favorite; “stop taking your diaper off!”

At least I figured out why I keep losing my lens caps…

Have a wonderful Monday!

I just wanted to say “thank you” to everyone for supporting me and my business. Thanks for trusting me as your photographer to capture your life’s moments and for helping support my family financially. Thank you to those who read my blog and who send people my way.

Thanks to my awesome husband for putting up with me and my crazy self. To my dad who comes over every morning to get Miss K off to school. To my sister Lynsay for being the best nanny to my kids. Thanks to my friends who support me emotionally and let me come cry with them when I’m having a rough day. Thanks to my mom for being my biggest fan and always cheering me on. To my photographer friends who are always inspiring me and helping me get better.  Finally thank you Lord for everything. I am nothing without you.

I’m sorry to get all mushy on you today. I’m just truly grateful that I’m able to do what I love and have it as my job!!

So thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And because posts on a photography blog are boring without photos… here’s on of my middle guy hanging out on a bike at his Nana’s house.

This years ballet performance put on by Evergreen Ballet Center is The Twelve Dancing Princesses. They will be performing at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 30th at the LCC Rose Center.

You know… so you can see the cutest little ballerina there ever was (wink wink).

Miss K is “the forest” this year and she’s really excited about her dance. Their costumes get better and better every year. When she brought this home after class a couple of few weeks ago, I literally squealed (I’m such a weird mom, poor kid).

I’m in love with green and she is the most beautiful little thing I’ve ever seen. Okay, so I’m biased. There are many other beautiful ballerinas performing as well.

Okay I’ll stop gushing and show you my ballerina….

okay and she looks like a total goof in this one, but this is the Miss K that I know and love. She’s always cracking jokes and goofing off.  (LOVE those missing teeth!!)

I got to take photos at their rehearsal last night. I must be the most embarrassing mom. Here’s me with my huge camera, flash, and lens snapping away.  Nothing worse than having a mom who’s a professional photographer. Thank goodness she didn’t seem to mind!

Thanks for reading!