AJ

Wind

I'm full of gratitude as I look back on the pictures I have of my family.
They remind me of the details of my life.
The moments that make up my days.

And for every picture taken there is always a story.
My pictures are never posed. There is direction, but they are in the moment and they are always genuine. It's what makes them special to me. A real moment captured can transport us back to the time it took place. Often there are emotions connected to the picture and so we not only enjoy the beauty of the picture, we are reminded of the details that made this day beautiful and the joy that accompanied these moments.

I remember how the wind picked up and I looked out the kitchen window to see her hair blowing in the breeze as she sat on the lawn watching her flowers spin.
I remember taking a time out to take her picture and I noticed the detail of the moment happening right in front of me.
Everything has purpose and reason behind it.
The suit she got for completing two levels of swimming.
The color because it's her favorite.
Her hair down and long because it's the way she wants it.
The ear rings she bought from her little friend next door with all her change.
The flowers that I gave her for her birthday because I know how much she loves nature and appreciates all things living.

As I study this moment I realize how carefree and beautiful her life is.

Bunny Squeezing

Swing

May they always know how present he is and how fully they are loved.

MelfRRY CHRISTMAS

You should know that I have an obsession with Chirstmas Cards. I start thinking of them months in advance and more importantly start bribing my sometimes unwilling subjects. Pictures are to be had, and that will never change. So we make it as fun as possible and hope for the best. Sound familiar!?

A little behind the scene of my actions in play...

Melfrry Christmas elfry body!!

First Day of Kindergarten

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Her first day of Kindergarten has come and gone.

She picked out numerous outfits to wear for the big day and informed me that she "is into style!"

I think I was more anxious than she was.

I feel like it was just yesterday when my oldest started kindergarten and he is now a third grader.

Time is passing quickly. I'm feeling it. 

She went with ease and was so excited.

After she said she isn't sure she will like it because she can't eat or drink for three hours. 

Torture. For sure.

Out of the blue in the evening she said "what does disrespectful mean?"

I asked her if her teacher said she was being disrespectful and she said yes.

Then I explained what it meant, and she rebuked her statement and told me her teacher actually said it to another boy in the class. Sounds about right. ;)

Her second day was not so fun. She had a hard time. I had a hard time.

I thought it would be really easy to let her go. To have time apart.

It has been different than I anticipated.

She ended up staying, and had good things to say. 

She mentioned that she was really good today and that yesterday she wasn't so good.

Hmm. Disrespectful comes to mind.

She loves having homework to sit next to her brother and do.

I love seeing her want to learn.

I also love seeing her grow. 

As hard as that may be.

It's a good thing.