Inspiring Moments

This weekend I attended the Jesse Parker Tears into Water 5k run/walk. It was such an inspiring day. So many people that came to support such a wonderful cause . If you want to check out more about how this amazing young man helps bring clean water to those who are so desperately in need, check out this piece done by WKBT: Jesse Parker. Such a wonderful family carrying on the dreams of their son.

For those of you who know me, I DO NOT run. My attitude toward running really changed after this event. There was so much positive energy surrounding everyone. Even the volunteers and organizers were wearing contagious smiles. I left with the comment to my husband, " I can really see how this could be addicting".

Several people, my guess was about 50, also came to show support for my beautiful sister. Team Katie made my heart sing. To watch all the people who really care about her come out in support was heart warming. As pictured below even several of Katie's students braved the run and reminded us all that if you put your mind to something, nothing is out of reach. So Thank you from the bottom of all our hearts. Katie is blessed to have so many coworkers, friends, students, and parents supporting her and making her unexpected journey that much more bearable. We love you Katie! Your corner is full of love, enthusiasm and some amazing people you have touched along the way. 

The Adventures of Harper and Sawyer Month 1

Travis (my husband for those of you unfamiliar with my crazy family) has been able to take off from work recently. It has been such a joy to share my days with my family... not to mention another adult. After being a stay at home mom for two years it feels odd to have daily adult conversation before noon :). We have been camping, swimming, fishing, to the park, played with bubbles, on lunch dates and every where in between. I have been working on capturing our own moments a little more this year. I think I will vow to do a small blog post about a fun moment in each month this year for our family. Enjoy!

Harper has really taken to being a big sister. She just refers to Sawyer as "Brother", I am not sure he will ever have a real name in her mind. I guess that is what I get for waiting so long to name him and not practicing. She loves to torment her little brother. From the moment they met I knew we had the perfect little family! Shout out to my amazing Husband for supporting us, being there through all the emotions and crazy moments, and picking up the pieces on the days your wife is just a mess. Your children are very blessed to have you in their lives. Let's face it, there would be less adventure (for sure less fishing) :)

Family of Four

What can I say, in the past few months it has been fairly quiet around the business. For those of you who were not aware my husband and I welcomed our son, Sawyer, to this crazy world. He was born on May 25 and we have been on the go ever since. His birth story was one I know we will never forget. Travis and I were able to spend most of the day, after checking into the hospital for our induction, walking around Lake Tomah and just enjoying each others company (alone as a couple). It almost felt like a date. Lord knows I can not remember the last time we were able to just enjoy each others company in that manner. I know, I know, I am a little weird. Not many people would call being induced a nice day spent together. :D Needless to say that after 20 hours we had the most perfect little boy. We are all in love with him.

I am blessed with the most amazing family and loved ones. I am blessed that Sawyer has been able to meet my Grandparents. He has experienced so much in his first few weeks of life :) more posts to come on the adventures of soy soy and Hapa (Sawyer and Harper). Here is my cutie :)

Harper helping us name the baby

My favorite photo... taken by my wonderful husband just moments after Sawyer was born :)

BIRTHDAY FUN

Being part of a little ones first year of life is a blessing for sure. I just love taking photos of a child and then seeing how they have grown in the last year. This little munchkin is blessed with a family that loves her lots and was ready to celebrate her first birthday in style. I was blessed to be able to take photos of Nadia and family last year and get to attend her birthday this last month.

Life does not get much better than eating cake, getting lots of new toys, swimming and lots of hugs and kisses from family. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS NADIA! 

Hannah

So, I am once again behind on my blog. Be prepared to be bogged down these next couple days because I will be in the office all week and weekend. I am so happy this girl asked me to capture her beautiful self for her 16th birthday. I sometimes forget what it was like to be 16. I remember the days of self doubt. I hope Hannah will be able to check out these pictures and be reminded of all the reasons she is beautiful inside and out. Never question your beauty, you shine.

What can I say about Ms. Hannah. She is one of my favorite people to take pictures of. Even if she did forget it was daylight savings time. I can not even begin to talk about how great my morning was with her. She makes me love what I do. Thanks for that Hannah. There are just some clients who get you and are so laid back they will let you try anything. Hannah is one of my favorite people who will try anything I ask, even if she does think I am crazy.  Even though it was cold, she still put up with my craziness. Here are just a few of her beautiful self at 16! Happy late late late birthday Hannah. At least the weather finally cooperated for us. :)

Excitement

I vowed to become better at blogging. You are going to hear from me whether you like it or not (insert evil laugh). This week for me has been a business building week. It has been filled with frustration, confusion and a little fear but mostly excitement. I am currently working to bring you an online viewing and ordering gallery! I think I have it up and running. Woohoo! After many grrrs and ughhhhs, I think I figured it out :) I am so ready for some warm weather so I can be outside taking a million pictures. I would love to hear from you and take your photos! Feel free to call to set up a date. Dates are filling up fast this year with the arrival of a new little one and family obligations.

Seniors I know you think it is to early for senior photos but lets make a date and a rain date :) Or if you want we could take some photos dancing in the rain. I am up for anything :D

 On that note my child is now awake. Here is my photo share of the week.

Growing Pains

This year in my life I have decided to let life be. I have spent so much of my time concerned with where I was going, I sometimes forgot to just be in the moment much of the time. I found myself justifying to people who didn't know me (and for that matter those who did) why I was and wanted to be a stay at home mom. No more of that. I am a stay at home mom because, truth be told, it is where I want to be right now. Time is fleeting and I simply won't get these moments back so I vow to enjoy the moments, crazy as they sometimes may be. I vow to remember being a stay at home mom with an education is not a failure, it is an amazing accomplishment and a gift.

This past week I was able to capture Bennett, who is the same age as Harper (my little one) and capturing all his little moments with his mom reminded just how fast time really goes. I was reminded just how important it is to be a mom.  As Bennett's Mom and I discussed how easy it is to forget you won't always be the person they run to to make things better and hugs and kisses may become more rare (I hope they don't but reality is...) I had a moment of reflection of the last 20 months and wondered if I kissed and snuggled my baby enough. After the session our family headed out on a day of adventure together and it was a great day/night. I want to say Thank you to Amelie and Bennett for reminding our whole family how great it is to just sit and play trucks or dinosaurs or barbies together and how capturing and bottling the moments is so important. Sometimes we all need a little reminder :)

I was able to capture Bennett about a year ago and again this winter. I had said I wouldn't be doing any more indoor sessions  (this is still true) but I had to make one more happen for this little guy and his mom. There is just something so pure about the bond I see between them in the short hour I get to photograph and observe. So, as these three (Grandma included) reminded me, grab those you love and hold them extra close and tell them each day. Thanks again for letting me be part of your memories.



HAPPY VALENTINES WEEKEND!!


WITH LOVE,
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE PHOTOGRAPHY!