it's the little things

There are so many little things I will miss as our last "baby" is growing up and moving into the world of toddlers.  One of these things is watching her eat.   I know it sounds kind of nuts, weird even?  But she is the first of our three that just LOVES to eat.  She will go as far as snatching food from you if she has a chance.  But it isn't really the fact that she will eat anything and everything that I will miss so much or love..it is watching those tiny little fingers take food to her mouth.  I don't know what it is , but to me it is just yummy!!! 

Probably wondering why her crazy mama is taking pictures of her eating???!!

 Oh, how I adore you!

a frame a week wednesdays | week 1

I have decided this year to do a family 52 project. Every Wednesday I will post a picture of each of our children that was my favorite from the previous week.  This is a good way for me to stay organized, so that at the end of the year I can easily publish each child a book of the year.   These memories are always so special to go back and cherish. This week's pictures were super easy to pick. They were all taken on our last week of our visit to Florida.   What a fun time it was.

The first one is of E.  I love this one and actually entered it into a photo challenge on one of my favorite blog sites: The Creative Mama.   I was super ecstatic one day when I saw they had shared it on their blog as one of their favorite submissions.   The theme was growth and change.   You can see my entry here:   http://thecreativemama.com/photo-challenge-v1-a-few-favorites/  .  I titled my picture Florida Sun and this is what I shared:

Florida Sun

This picture represents many things to me....the growth we have had as a family the past year as my husband is currently on his 3rd deployment since 2006. This was our first Christmas without him and we (my three children and I ) have come home to our hometown in Florida to be surrounded by loved ones during this holiday...it also represents change and growth in the New Year ahead as we pray for orders to come back close to home. My father -n-law is ill and we pray to have some quality time here with him in these hard days. So as I see this picture and revel in the Florida sun...I have many wishes for our new year ahead and we count down the days to be a family of five again and hopefully close to our extended family as well...

 Next up, Mr. M.   We were trying to get a picture for my parent's Christmas card--one that would include all of their grandchildren. This was pretty challenging because 3 are 1 and under.    Well, this obviously wasn't the card, but when going through the pictures, I couldn't help but laugh.   I guess all his girl cousins are a little much for him to handle!!

 Last picture of the week...our sweet C.   I've posted this picture once. But it is just the perfect one of her to start the New Year with.  This picture is her....sweet, happy, full of life and wonder...

a childhood friendship

Over the Christmas holiday we spent three weeks in Florida in the town my husband and I grew up in.   While home we all got sick and didn't get to see as many people as we would have hoped.  But we did get to spend the afternoon one day with my childhood friend Tabitha and her three children.  It was such a great time catching up.  Tabitha was the friend I spent day after day, week after week, year after year, playing with...from house to house and yard to yard. We have many treasured memories together.   It is amazing to now see how closely our lives have paralleled each other over the many years; from joining the same sorority in college, to marrying into the military life, to each having three children--the similarities really are crazy.  Thanks for a memorable afternoon.

 

1 plus 1 equals 2---- not always?

I love this picture of my two oldest children for so many reasons.  It just represents so much about both of them in such an amazing way.  

 At first glance it is the two of them ready to jump from the jungle gym at the neighborhood park.  But to me, it is so much more.   I see two children, so different in so many ways but also surprisingly so alike these days.  There is 2 1/2 years exactly between them.   Not long ago these two seemed world's apart; one was in diapers completely dependent on mama for most everything --the other not so much.   Fast forward 4 years and they are the best of friends and rivals.  They play together so well and want to do most of the same things, they go to bed at about the same time, like most of the same movies and shows, can get dressed alone and are pretty self sufficient, wear the same sized shoes and are only a mere 4 pounds apart. I could really go on and on. 

But how subtle this picture also shows me their differences.  The lace ties of my six year old, who can now tie her shoes, and is reading and starting to lose her first teeth.  The pink on her legs reminding me of the girly girl she is and her love for drama, dolls, dance, and arts.   And then there is the Velcro of my son, reminding me he isn't quite there with his sister yet..but always chasing his dream to be just like her.  His jeans reminding me of his love for adventure and fearless spirit.  His leadership qualities waiting to blossom, but these days presenting as stubbornness and defiance.

So no, 1+1 may not always equal 2, but it certainly isn't 1.   I love watching our children grow and develop into their own personalities.   For now, I will cherish these days, where I see them loving to play together one minute but fighting the next, declaring their independence.    What a fun journey motherhood is.

glorify

Definition of Glorify:  (according to Merriam -Webster.com)

1 : to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration b : to elevate to celestial glory

2: to light up brilliantly

3 : to represent as glorious : extol <a song glorifying romantic love> b : to cause to be or seem to be better than the actual condition <the new position is just a glorified version of the old stockroom job>

4: to give glory to (as in worship)

Examples of Glorify:  Glorify and give thanks to God.

It's hard to believe another year has been born.  The days and months pass so quickly; much too quickly in fact.  I can vividly remember last year being in my car and hearing a segment on the radio about picking one word for you for the year. A word that would represent you at that time in life or something you hoped to become.   Again, as this New Year has started, I have also seen challenges within the blogging community to do this very thing.   It's a great way to reflect and set goals or wishes for the New Year ahead.   The word I have chosen is :

GLORIFY

I find this word perfect for 2011 (and really any year) in so many ways.   I feel challenged and hopeful to GLORIFY God in all things I do--in all walks of my life...

•  As a Wife
• As a Mother
• As a Daughter
• As a Sister
• As a Friend
• As a Neighbor
• In how I spend my free time
•  Through my health and well being
• Through my photography and other creative outlets

The list could go on.  I know I will not always succeed and in that there IS NOT failure but learning.  As I said, this is an ongoing challenge and hope of mine for the year and years to come.   What is your word? What does it say about your year ahead? 

what it's all about...

 As a mother to three children; 6 and under, there are moments in the day, when I can honestly say, I want to sneak in to a closet and soak in the quiet.   Don't get me wrong, I love every bit of being a mom and I cherish these babies more than anything.   I love staying home and would not have it any other way.  I had no idea the magnitude of love I would feel for them, before becoming a mother....but I'd be lying and being a phony to say, that I never have "those" moments--especially when it seems like the past few years I've been doing this solo a good majority of the time.  I do feel totally blessed that we can serve our country and God in the manner we do, but it is hard work keeping it all going.   As I looked through pictures today, the above picture  just caught me and made me giggle to myself.   As I began to think of my 16 month old and her innocent giggles and her wondrous world of exploring,  I thought, this is what life is all about...

belly laughs

I couldn't wait for this shoot; I have to admit I have been excited for months to come home and capture these three.....maybe because I am pretty smitten with Miss Emma and knew she would light up the camera, or maybe because it is my sister and her super husband and my adorable niece,  and then again, maybe it was in part due to the amazing location with great opportunities for great pictures.   I would say ALL OF THE ABOVE.    Emma is pure joy with her deep loud belly laughs, her smile that lights up the entire room, and her love for Mama that no one can replace. I  hope you enjoy these...I sure did have a blast taking them! 

this face

packages from afar...

I am pretty sure in my children's minds that there isn't a lot of positive things about Daddy being gone for almost nine months....because to them a week takes "forever". BUT I will say that they have found pure joy in surprise packages from Daddy.  They love to drive up to the house and see those mystery boxes sitting at the front door.    Today I tried to capture the excitement they had when they opened their most recent gifts.  Daddy, no matter how far away you are, you are a part of us every single moment of every day. We are proud of what you do and who you are.....thank you for making us all feel so special!!

brrrr....

it was definitely a cold afternoon here in Coastal North Carolina.  Despite the less than optimal circumstances, the W family was full of smiles and great spirits!   I met Jill when her son and my oldest daughter were in three year old preschool. It is hard to believe they are now first graders. Time definitely flies by too quickly. And as we did the shoot, I found out that their daughter Grace was celebrating her 9th birthday today.  Grace was my highlight of soccer season, as she always brought laughter and smiles to my one year old Caroline. She provided great entertainment for her as we sat through the hour long practices twice a week. I've always thought Grace and Zach both were adorable children and I had such a great time getting to photograph them with their parents.   Such a lovable family.   Here's a few of my favorites of the day....

the end to fall

Fall is by far one of my favorite seasons of the year...sadly, it is quickly coming to an end as Winter is making its not so welcome appearance.   The kids are getting excited for the "next' season, asking daily if it will snow this year.  And it just might here in Coastal North Carolina. We  had our first freezing rain of the season this weekend and lots of cold.  Today at the park, we got these pictures as a great reflection of the fun time we had this fall together...

six degrees of separation...

I think this theory is absolutely true in the Marine Corps Community. It seems like somehow we are all connected to one another. Today I had the pleasure of photographing the M family. I met their mother, Kelly this summer through a friend, and it was crazy to put together the different people we both knew, and how we knew them in unique ways. I am so grateful I got to have this opportunity and so enjoyed all three of these beautiful children. Kelly is such a beauty inside and out, so it is no surprise that her children are as well. I look forward to capturing the whole family in the New Year. Enjoy a sneak peak of our fun afternoon....   

ice cream freeze...

Today I had the pleasure of watching our oldest perform what she has  learned so far of  her Spring recital dance.  It was so cute seeing her dance her heart out to the "Ice Cream Freeze", but I couldn't help but sit there and ponder where the time has gone?  It seems like just yesterday I was swaddling her and trying to keep track of her sleep and nursing schedules.    Oh, what I would do to go back and cherish those sweet cuddle moments a little longer.   It is bittersweet watching our little ones grow and become their own people. On one hand you are so proud as they become independent but on another hand its just plain sad to see them "fly".   I am definitely one of those moms that wishes time would freeze just a bit.    I have to say to all the new moms who are experiencing the birth of their first baby...enjoy it all.  Don't fret over how much your little one is or isn't sleeping, eating, or doing,  because in time it will all work out.   Don't compare what your baby is doing to any other baby...just savor the moments!! Because before you know it, you'll be watching that little baby, turned 6, shaking her booty to Miley Cyrus and wondering how did we get here so quickly......

35 years of thanksgiving...

This year on Thanksgiving  I helped the kids make a poster of all the things we were thankful for as a family. After doing this with them, I have decided to take some time and really reflect on what I am grateful for in my life.  As I have said before, I feel blessed in immeasurable ways, and I think it is so important to take time and really appreciate all the little, yet BIG things in life.  So,  I decided I would make a list of 35 things I was thankful for this year....since I recently celebrated my 35th birthday.   I challenge you to take the time this Christmas season and really search your heart for what makes you smile?  In doing so, I promise you will come away filled with so much joy and thanksgiving. 

1. A family who brings me more laughter, love, and comfort than I ever dreamed of.
2. My husband, Cesar, and experiencing God’s plan for us the past 11 plus years and knowing without a doubt the years we spent together growing up were a big part of HIS plan.  I cannot put into words how much I love this man and am so proud to call him my husband. 
3. A mother who will drop everything and get on a plane at a moments notice to be here for her grand-babies births (nothing ever went as we "planned" for our babies arrivals)..this same super mom has always made it a priority to be here  for birthdays and holidays so that I wouldn’t be alone,  has driven many miles with a dog and children all in tow, so that we could spend summers in Florida with our family... and who has truly been a best friend for the 35 years of my life.
4. A father who has always been a shining example of giving and sacrificing all for his family –he has shown us that family is always first.
5. Parents who have been married 40 plus years and showed us that marriage is truly God’s plan:  to live out our life as Christ, a true example of unconditional love, forgiveness and so much more.
6. God’s grace and mercy, and the joy I know through my relationship with Him.
7. Middle of the night nursing—I know it sounds crazy, but I cherish those times with each of my babies, where the whole world is quiet and we have that sweet time together.  I have especially treasured this with our last—sometimes this is the only time during the day that I have with her un-interrupted.
8. Dr. pepper.
9. A six year old daughter, that spends every night that her Daddy is deployed, next to me in the king size bed…these conversations, snuggles, and moments are truly priceless. (see picture above)
10. Saturday mornings:  oh, how I love sleeping in late and so do our kids (most of the time).  Nothing beats Pancake Saturdays and all the kids in bed with us!
11. Living in a country where we can chose to live the way we want and become who we wish to be.
12. Email and video chats—when you have a spouse gone for 7 plus months at a time, these become a lifeline, its hard to imagine how the WWII  generation did it.
13. A babysitter that my children are excited to see arrive and one whom I know will take great care of them.
14. Friends that have been there through so many life moments, who know me inside and out and love me for it.   Whether far or close in proximity, they are always close in heart.
15. Sisters—there is nothing better than having a sister to share the world with (NO ONE knows you like your sister) and I am so grateful that my girls have each other …but in turn, I am so happy they also have a brother. My brother taught me so many things about life .  I hope they will all remain close forever.
16. A mother n law that I love like my own mom, who treats me as her own daughter, who I can share anything and everything with, and has taught me many good recipes.
17. My nieces and nephews--what an awesome thing to see your siblings and you’re your husband’s siblings  families all grow. And I am so thankful that my children are very close to all of their cousins, even living states away. They really adore them.
18. Being a mom—I always knew I wanted a house full of children, but never knew how deeply they would each touch my life.
19. Deployments-you grow a lot as a person and as a couple during these separations. I am grateful we can serve our country in this way.
20. The invention of the flat iron.
21. The excitement you see when your child “gets something” like learning to read, a new concept etc. 
22. The beach—brings back wonderful memories of my childhood spent with my siblings and parents.  And now we look forward to our annual Florida beach trip with all the siblings and grandchildren.  Haven’t missed a year yet!!!
23. The four seasons---growing up in Florida we did not really experience seasons, so this is something I’ve fallen in love with…the hot white sand in the summer, the beautiful leaves in the fall, seeing snow on the trees early in the morning before anyone wakes up, spring and all of its glory…
24. 3 c-sections, 1 miscarriage, and a premature little baby girl--without enduring these difficult times, I wouldn’t be the mother I am. 
25. The smell of a clean house.
26. A good night’s sleep.
27.  Finding pleasure in the small things in life.
28. Good manners.
29. Kisses and hugs—I can never get enough.  
30.  I Love You’s.
31. Lunch dates with girl friends.
32. Date nights—doesn’t need to be anything fancy, I just cherish the special moments we can sneak in alone.   
33. Dancing with my children and hearing their laughter throughout the house.
34. The blessing of being a stay at home mother and wife—I know that this is not for everyone, but I am grateful for every day I get to do this;  no doubt we do our share of sacrificing, but I really enjoy this time with my family—I  wish the days didn’t go by so quickly.
35. 35 years of health, love, happiness, and pure joy. I have experienced many heartaches and trials, but these events are what mold us into who we are.  I am grateful for it all!

brotherly love...

...this house is full of some sweet boys! The R family are wonderful friends of ours and I was so excited to take their pictures again this year, with their newest addition.   The older brothers' love shines through to baby J and I had such fun capturing their time together!  They all openly hug and kiss each other with such affection and you can see the love that encompasses each of them.  To top it all off, they were all dressed impeccably--Angela definitely proves that boys can look just as adorable as little girls.   I love this family and have so many fun memories over the past couple of years with our children.    Here's hoping the New Year will bring us more time to share together! Thanks for a fun afternoon...enjoy a few of my favorites from today!

weekend simplicity

Oh, how I love the weekends.  My husband, Cesar and I have loved to sleep late for our entire marriage..and thank goodness, our sweet children have followed suit.   Weekends are cherished and pretty simple around our house....long days in jammies, movies on the couch, bike rides in the neighborhood, trips to the park, or dinner with friends... are usually found on our agenda.  Like I said, pretty simple family time.   I will never grow tired of time outdoors around our neighborhood  here in North Carolina...it really is beautiful.

the middle child is......

one who amazes me and touches my heart every day.    Our middle child, Mason is sandwiched right in between two sisters.   When my husband and I decided we were ready to have children, I always pictured a house of girls.   I had a brother and two sisters growing up and just saw myself with all daughters.   As we know, our ideas are not always what God has planned for us.   I'll never forget the night when we came home from my 20 week sonogram to find out our 2nd born child would be a boy.  I can now openly admit, I cried in the tub. And YES, now it seems totally crazy..why wasn't I just relishing in the fact I had a healthy child coming....but I just didn't know what I would do with a BOY!    WOW!!! All I can say is God's plans and works are amazing!    I love this little man in ways I can't explain...I love his mischief and his true love for life.   The way I have to work to get his cuddles and kisses, but how I also catch him on a daily basis being so tender kissing his baby sister.   Yes, he is my challenge but he brings me so much laughter and fills my heart with so much love. I couldn't imagine our family in any other way.    It is so true what people tell you. You will LOVE every child you have ...no one more than the other...just different. Each of them bring things to life that are so unique and special.  Thank you Lord for this blessing....for the gift of motherhood!

lylas

...wasn't that what we said back in the day:  love ya like a sis?  That's exactly how I feel for my beloved friend Lisa.  The super sweet H family came to stay with us this weekend..and what fun we all shared.    Sometimes God places people in your lives that will forever be like family...we all just have that special bond with this family and feel so blessed for it...My Ellie and Lisa's Caroline share the same birthday and are the best of friends, even living states apart now.  I just know these girls will have a friendship for life .  Lisa and I shared a business for five years, the Pink Turtle, but due to location, it just wasn't feasible anymore. We still share our love for sewing and creating cute things...our love for our babies, and our love for life.  We are blessed to be God parents to their youngest children Addyson and Johnathan. All FIVE of their babies mean the world to us ....my heart just smiles watching little Addyson and her extreme love for life.   Thanks guys for a fun fun weekend!!! Until next time...

everyday things...

It is the everyday things I cherish and hope I capture so I never forget them....I encourage anyone with children to try and capture everyday living...so you'll look back and remember the phases your child went through, the experiences they shared, the moments you lived together... Cars, the movie is one of those things in our house...it all started with a movie night with Daddy and has evolved into a passion that words couldn't do justice.   It is so amazing to see how it started with my son playing with these little vehicles all over the house. I would trip on them left and right throughout the day..BUT now, I catch glimpses of him with his book in hand and his cars reenacting the stories he has read or watched...

Have I told you how much I love this little guy?

soul sisters

I have really learned as I've gotten older that we have certain friends in life that we share really core values, interests, thoughts, and beliefs. These people are more than just friends we hang out with, laugh with, or share a good time.  Of course, you do all those things too..but these are people that really get you inside and out.  I have also found that I  cherish having a few great close friends vs. hanging out in large groups.   And the reality of the Marine Corps life is , friends come and go....NO , not out of our lives for good, but physically move away.   This summer a couple close families moved and it was so sad to return from our summer vacation knowing they would no longer be here.   Shortly after returning we had a playdate with the B family..and all I can say is the rest is history. I feel like I have known them my entire life.  Holly and I have spent the past three months having weekly meals, laughing about our challenges as single mommies to our crazy kiddos, and having lots of heart to heart talks...I know without a doubt that God gave us this special friendship at just the right time.  Enjoy these sweet pictures of her two beauties playing in the yard one morning while Mama was out for some "quiet" time (aka : hair appt)!