Look who I spent my time with last night! ; )
More to come on Monday!
Here are a few quick pics of the family from the 4th of July!
How was your 4th? :)
The first birthday is always very special. 
My nephew, Nolan, had his first birthday on Friday, July 6th. He is such a little peanut! Absolutely Adorable!! His little personality is starting to come out. He is mommy's little boy and following in his sisters feisty, little footsteps.
Nolan is already experiencing many firsts, and there will be many many more over the course of the next year. We are so blessed to have this little guy in all of our lives!
Happy 1st Birthday Bubba! We love you!
I have been lucky enough to capture some of his pictures along the way. He is featured in multiple categories in the gallery and on my buisness cards. Look for 1 year Birthday pictures coming very soon!!
Two weeks ago tomorrow, I finally got Brayden baptised. Typically, this happens within weeks, or months of a baby's birth. However, I knew that I would have trouble getting Brayden baptised when I was not really 'practicing'. But, I believe in the purpose of baptism. However, what I didn't know were some of the other identifying purposes. In the past I was annoyed that I was going to have to take a class about getting my child baptised. I spent 12 years in Sunday school, what could I learn that I didn't already know? And, the Priest went through all of the symbolism with me. What I didn't know was what this sacrament represented. Having the Priest educate me on 'why' was really important. It was something I didn't know - nor would I have gotten had it been taught to me when I was younger. He said, Baptism is a commitment to God, and to a faith family (those I knew), but it is your identity. It is who you are - just as your genes are passed down through genetics, your faith is as well. Wow, I get it. I now get that when I was struggling with my religion, I would have never entertained the idea of converting. ever. I hear that from a lot of Catholics. It is because it is who we are. It is part of our identity. Just as much as I am Norwegian and Republican - I am too, a Catholic. Those are descriptive titles I would use to describe 'who' I am.
I love when I have those "ah-ha" moments.
I believe all religions have their own interpretations and Catholics are the same way. We interpret the Bible in a way that makes us Catholic, just as others do for their own religions. At this point in my life, I feel it is necessary to have this relationship with God, and with a church. I am learning so much now, because I have had life experience to help me really learn. Not only that, I have a great Priest. To me, that is why I go. I go to learn. I go to pray. I go to pass that on to Brayden.
The ceremony was a really nice. Prior to the start, Father Hougan explained the Baptism to Brayden - all of the "what's and why's" on what he was going to do - that was really wonderful. Here are a few pictures, taken by the wonderful Chris Bland!
The 4th of July is a great way to reflct on the men and women who paved the road for all of us. We have many, many freedoms of this country. At the end of a festive day, I think about that during the fireworks. I think about how fortunate I am to live here. It is far from perfect, but I am blessed in the life I have and, that life wouldn't be possible in many other places in the world.
The 4th of July also makes me reflect back to 1997. It was the night my Grandpa died. I still remember it like it was yesterday. It still makes me sad. I cried through the fireworks that year and I still struggle to get through them every year. 15 years ago, my Dad, Mom, and oldest brother left our celebration to go be with my Grandpa, better known as 'Pa'. And I knew during those moments, that Pa would no longer be around. It made me angry for all of the missed opportunities. I should have listened longer. Spent more time with him. He had great stories. He had a smile that would light up a room. He was a joker - he was always able to make people feel comfortable. He was a great man, no doubt about it. And, I would bet that anyone that spent time with him would agree. He and my Grandma raised 8 great kids on a Farmers pay. They were married just shy of 51 years. My Grandma has been without him for 15 years - I can't even imagin what that must be like, starting over with out that person who has been there forever. It is sad to think about the loss of him, but it is also a blessing to reflect on how blessed we are to have known him. Grandpa was the youngest of 16. He and his siblings were raised in North Dakota during the Great Depression. The way of life they experienced, it is impossible to even comprehend today. Grandpa was not hardened by what he lived through, instead he flourished because of it. His intentional life is still carried on through all of us, in our smile, in our laugh, in our Norwegian heritage. Our last name, Gudmunson, is part of many conversations. By strangers who ask where it came from and by those who have lived here all of their life an know the name well - because Pa has always served it well.
Here is a video of Pa and I. I had a 'cracked' leg when I was 3. Pa loved to tease me about it - even when I was a teenager, he would joke with me about my broken leg. I was always quick to correct him, "It's cracked!"
I always tell people of the little sign Pa had hanging on his back door - it was there for as long as I can remember - and I always get a good laugh from those who I share it with.
"You can always tell a Norweigain, but you can't tell 'em much"
Happy 4th of July Pa - you are loved, and missed.
Growing up in a small town has both advantages and disadvantages. One of my favorites is the security and peacefulness of being in the middle of no where, only corn and soybean fields as far as the eye can see. In the winter it looks a little barren, but come spring, summer, and fall - it is bountiful and beautiful.
Along these back roads, there are a lot of stories - I am sure many of us could share ;) A lot of memories were made with friends. They are frozen in time for us to go back and visit when we need a break from reality - and growing up.
We lived out in the country on a farm and Dad would like any excuse to go check out the crops or visit my Aunt and Uncle just down the gravel road. While B and I were visiting the other day, Dad said, "lets go for a walk" - a common phrase heard often and met with some resistance as a pre-teen and teenager. But, usually after a few minutes of walking - I enjoyed the time, of course I never wanted to admit while hanging out walk with the old folks that I was enjoying myself. But, life changes you - it makes those small insignificant moments, significant - thankfully. So, Me, B, Mom, Dad, and Aunt Zie all went for a stroll down the gravel road. It made my heart smile. I reminisced about my childhood and all of the fond memories walking with my family on many warm summer nights. Brayden loved it :) He got some lessons on nature. Grandma taught him about clovers - and how to pull them apart and suck the sweet out of the end. He walked in Grandpa's corn field to measure the growth of the corn. He ran and played and laughed - just as little boys should do. No rules except 'don't wander too far'.
To me, those moments define a childhood. It's how it should be. Taking a back road in this small town, on a warm summer night with family and laughing - picking clovers, checking corn, and looking for bugs.
It doesn't get better than that.
I know every parent experiences this phase of life as their children are growing up. Every word in a 2/ 3 year olds vocabulary totally disappears and it is replaced with only one "why"? I have had to explain more random rhymes and reasons then I really even know. Don't get me wrong, I love an inquisitive mind - and, I am much like that still. I need to know why and how for me to really learn. So, I welcome the "why" - but I think there should be a cap. A maximum of 5,... or maybe less... ;)
B and I are observers. I point out everything with enthusiasm - and he will react with enthusiasm. Bugs, birds, squirrels, dogs, clouds, sun, moon, tree, train, big truck... ect. He usually points and echoes me. But now, it is "Why?". Everything - is "why?" Even after the explanation I give, he obviously doesn't think it is sufficient because that is followed up with yet another, "why?"
Example:
Mommy: "Look B, a train!"
B: "Why?" Mommy: "It is going home for the day."
B: "Why?" Mommy: "Because they are all done working so they are going home."
B: "Why?" Mommy: "Because that is how they go to work and go home from work, just like Dadda. Dadda rides the train."
B: "Why?" Mommy: "It is transportation - can you say that?" B: "tan-postation. Why?"
Mommy: "Transportation is how we get from one place to another. We ride in the stroller, in Mommy's car, on a bus, truck, airplane, and train - they are all examples of transportation."
B: "Why?"
Mommy: "Look a squirrel!" B: "Why?"
.... I give up....
It is his response to everything! We are working on potty training so we are discussing the difference between boys and girls... oh geez. That is fun to have "why" after every explanation about the gender difference.... Can you imagine?
Even now when I tell him "No" to something or tell him it is time for a bath, or to put on his shoes on, or wipe his face - "why?".
It's a good thing he is so cute! ;)
I have done a lot of research on chalk paint - and I am far, far from an expert - but, I am having fun learning about it! I am trying a few different techniques - and in typical Megan fashion, I have messed up a few items too! - Live and learn! So, here is a basic tutorial on 'how to' with chalk paint!
Painting
- I use regular latex paint - flat. I haven't tried to use anything else (satin , semi gloss - I assume it has to do with the sanding - flat works best to do that).
- I mix 2 Cups of paint with 2 table spoons of sandless grout (make sure it is sandless - I learned this the hard way).
- I have used both a roller and a paint brush. It depends on the look you are trying to achieve.
- If you want it to look more distressed, use a paint brush to see the strokes and do 1 coat.
- If you want it to have more coverage - use the roller and do several coats.
Sanding
- I use just a regular manual hand sander.
- I do a light sanding over the entire piece.
- I do hard sanding on the edges.
- I do some hard sanding on a few spots on the front to make it look more beat up. This is harder to do the more layers you have on it.
- Something else to try - you can do it two toned - paint 1 layer with a paint brush with 1 color and do another layer with another color using the paint brush. That looks cool too.
- After it is dry and you are happy with the look, wipe it down to get all dust off.
Top Coat
- Then you can use a wax or a stain on it. This is a little bit trickier. Depending on what you are doing.
- If you want dark wood to show, use a q-tip with a dark stain and go over the edges - let it dry. it will stain the paint so be careful. If you just want it to have a shine to it, you can use a polyurethane / polycrylic - they may need to be sanded lightly and reapplied - you can follow the instructions on the can.
- I often use a light stain - depending on the paint color on the furniture. I use a honey color stain / natural wood - and it actually gives it a slight yellow tint... makes it look old. But, you have to be careful depending on the color. If you want something to be a light color - light pink or white - use a polyurethane - or something clear.
Extra tips
- Take pictures as you go!
- Have fun! - I love it. I turn my music up loud and I zone out. It feels like therapy.
- Don't stress - I have messed up on a few pieces - but, it is paint. One piece that I was really loving, I applied a dark stain - to white paint... well, it was a nightmare. So, I sanded and stared over. No big deal.
- Try your first attempt on something that you don't love. Take an item that you aren't in love with. It will make for a great trial run and you may just end up loving that piece of furniture again!
I also wrote about this subject here and here.
Feel free to contact me with any questions or let me know if you have a piece you would like done!
Pictures!:
Upcoming projects, painting fabric and making milk paint! ;)
I have a soft spot for the little guys. In every little boy I see, I think of the different stages of life that I have had or will someday experience with Brayden. The little baby, brand new and innocent, then the rounder little guy with the most adorable thick thighs and dimples in his little hands. Even in the boys that are bigger, playing t-ball and causing mischief - I know B isn't too far away from being one of those little guys too.
In my sessions, I often want to capture them as their natural self in whatever phase of life that is. For Mr. Evan, it is his chunky thighs, dipples, and drooling. His nick name is "chunk" - appropriate! :) I could have eaten him up. Check him out!!
These two little sillies were so fun to take pictures of. They started out very serious - they didn't want to make it too easy ;) But, Give a boy a stick and have an apple hunt - and they will give you a smile. They came into their own shortly after a brief warming up - And the pictures could not have been cuter. As I was editing I kept thinking to myself, 'how is she going to pick 1 pictures for her Father's day gift?" Well, after some discussion - she went with a framed collage of them. It was adorable!
Because this session was for a Father's Day gift, I was keeping it a secret - I am SO GLAD that I can post this session now because these two... My oh my! As you scroll, you will see what I mean. The cool part was to actually photograph them. We all had a good time. You can't fake this much cuteness! The boys just acted like boys - and I am so happy I got the opportunity to capture it. Thanks Jonanne - the boys are both sweet and adorable!
Very soon they will be added to several sections in the Gallery.
There is something about pregnant women that gives me chill bumps. It could be that they are absolutely adorable or maybe it is the miracle that is growing, and partly me reliving the astonishment I experienced through my own pregnancy. Thinking back to all of the wonderful moments in my life, that experience may take the cake - second to the delivery of course. I believe, that is as close as most of us ever come to experiencing a real miracle.
Chris and I spent some time with a dear friend of ours, Tara. I find her exceptionally beautiful - I knew her when she was little, she is best friends to my younger sister. She has a great husband - and their love and bond can be seen through their photos. They are beautiful couple and soon to come, a beautiful baby too!
I had the chance to try something new. I know it isn't everyone's style but, I thought it looked cool - kind of a modern art feel. Important Note: Tara does NOT know what she is having - this is NOT the reveal - That won't happen until he / she graces them with their presence. However, if it is a boy - then the picture works :) If not, no biggie! :)
What do you think? Alittle bit Andy Warhol?? Like or no?
... AND an Addict... :)
So, I have a problem. I suppose that is the first step - Admission. I purposefully hide my addiction, for fear of an intervention.
I am addicted to furniture and anything old in nature. I am no stranger to picking something up off the curb that is no longer being loved by its owners. I shop at Salvation Army, Thrift Stores, Facebook, and garage sales. I love junk. I slow at the homes of real hoarders. I dream about all of the treasures they have stashed away. I seriously think the 2 guys from American Pickers have the best job EVER!
So I live in a little apartment (that happens to be above a thrift store) - and I drive a mini SUV (aka a Mom car). Neither of these are equipped to handle my addiction. I have a long hall leading to my staircase that gets me up to my second floor apartment. It is also used as my storage unit. I laugh when people come over - I sheepishly admit my addiction - not that I need to point out the obvious. I will cram anything I can into my car - but, the items I purchase don't typically fit. So, I have to beg and plead with my family to help lift, transport and maneuver my purchased item into one of the storage areas. It's a good thing they love me!
Unfortunately, I have evidence:
However, I believe (like most hoarders) that there is a reason for this madness. All of these little treasures are either photography props or an object to be used for my creative art. I revamp and resell - unless I fall in love with it, then I keep it. All of this 'junk' is transformed into something beautiful (well, at least I think it is). I have evidence of that too (thank goodness - it makes me look alittle less crazy - I hope):
I have a lot more finished projects, somehow I forget to get pictures of the transformation. However, you can read about 2 of them here and here. Later this week or next week I am going to have an entry or two on a few of my latest projects and some DIY tips.
Some of my little projects can be found in the not so little resale shop in downtown Sandwich, IL. Follow Treasures Past and Present on FB!
I often describe my sister Marcy as a combination of Mother Theresa and Betty Crocker. And, for those who watched Desperate Housewives, she is Brie without all of the murders and drama. She always has home baked goods. Her house is always clean. She feeds our entire family almost once a week. I do it once a year for Brayden's birthday and after it is over I swear I will never do it again... It is so much work. She always makes it look so easy. Cleaning,cooking, and always smiling.
Today is her Birthday. :)
Married to her husband Al for 10 years this summer and the mother to 6 children, 3 beautiful little ones that we get to experience and enjoy life with, Malayna, Macey, and Nolan. And, 3 little ones that are our angels, Makayla, Justin, and Jonathan - we will meet them again when our spirits leave our bodies. God and Pa have wonderful company. They say God never gives you more than you can handle - well, I would say he really pushed his limits on this young couple. But they survive and thrive - living the only way they know how, making the most of everyday - for every detail is a blessing. Marcy and Al have had a lot of struggles - but they too have more blessings than they could count! And they know it.
An ongoing theme in my life is not always appreciating what is right in front of me. Marcy is one of those blessings that I don't give enough credit to - not nearly as often as she deserves. She is just like our Mom. She gives and gives and gives. She smiles all of the time. She is intelligent and beautiful. She is a wonderful Mother. She is a great person to look up to, always has been. She was the angel, I was not. Marcy and I spent more hours then I could ever calculate staying up late talking, laughing, crying. Doing what defines sisters. As life has it, there aren't too many days when we get to do that like we use to - but she always makes time for her family and friends - and strangers. She has the heart of a saint. Her and Al have done more for me then I could ever list. The message is always the same, We support you, we love you. If they are like that for their sister - can you imagine the type of parents they are?
Happy Birthday to my amazing sister - You are loved :)
"The best Dads get promoted to Grandpa"
Some of the best men I have ever known in my life have come to be known as Grandpa or Pa :)
They get one day a year dedicated to them, when they deserve many many more.
I think about the pride I have when I tell stories of my Pa. He defines a great man. I think he is where I inherited my smile - He always smiled. Always.
To Pa, Thank you for my Norwegian stubbornness. Thank you for all of the beyond wonderful memories of complete silliness. From coloring your toe nails to doing your hair - Those are the memories Grandkids deserve to keep forever. Anytime you were around there was always laughter. You and Grandma were the foundation of what every family should be and have. Respect and kindness for everyone. You had 8 wonderful kids that you passed that foundation on to, and they have passed it down to us.
To my Dad, you embody the teaching of your dad (Pa). You and he have so many similar mannerisms. I think it quietly to myself when I observe your gestures. Thank you for my childhood - there isn't enough time or words to explain the lasting impact that you have had on me. Thank you for disagreeing with me, and supporting me anyway. I think about some of the qualities I carry and how I am so much like you. We share a love for history, psychology, and politics. And, you have left with me a love for the earth and land that most people don't see. I love the sound of Brayden's excitement when we pull up to the farm - and to watch him go running and yelling "Grandpa, Grandpa". I love that the farm will always be a big part of his life, as it is mine.
For the other 354 days that aren't dedicated to great Dad's, Grandpa's, and Pa's - You are always respected and loved. I am glad there is 1 day a year to help remind me how fortunate we all are!
From all of us ~ We love you!
I have this dream of living by the beach someday, sooner rather than later... but I would take later over never.
I see everyone going on vacation and some of the photographers I follow have been posting photo sessions from the beach. Uh, I painfully ache to be there. There is a calm that comes over me. My worries rush away with the waves leaving the shore. The vastness of the ocean makes me feel small, and makes my worries seem like nothing. So, now starts my beach fund - I should have planned ahead and started it this winter but, that's ok. I will start now - and I can be very frugal. Our vacation doesn't have to be elaborate - just Me, B and the ocean.
The Outer Banks is where Brayden put his toes in the sand for the first time, at about 8 months old. Most mornings, He would wake up early so I seized the opportunity. We wandered outside and watched the sunrise and played in the sand while most of the world slept, missing the beauty that we were experiencing. Brayden doesn't remember that, but I want him to experience that beauty and that calm of the ocean. I want us to pick a new place along the ocean to visit every year. Some where new with different people, store fronts, and restaurants - but the same big ocean. He is at such a fun age - I know he and I would have a blast. I give it about 10 more years (if I am lucky) that he will still like to hang out with me. Come those teenage years, he will think I am totally lame and will be embarrassed to be seen with me. So, I need to take advantage now. Soak up the fun before this time is gone.
So the saving and searching begins for our calm along the shore line.
Any recommendations? Where are you traveling this summer?
Happy Friday! Have a fabulous weekend!
I had the best date last night :) Brayden got to come with. We shared pizza and stories - it was comforting to have someone to relate with. Laugh with. And make future plans with.
This date was not with a guy - It was with a fellow single mom. I heard my story - but it was coming out of her mouth. It was so much like mine. Our kids got to play and we got to laugh. We shared stories about how we got here, and how happy we are. We laughed about dating, ... actually the lack of dating. We smiled as we joked about the exhaustion that comes along with doing this 'on our own' - even with the support of our family. We were understanding of the constant interruptions by our children's bathroom trips, tantrums, and bumps. We acknowledged the time and the need to rush off for baths and bedtime, even though we could have kept talking about our endless stories that have lead us here and plans for the future.
It's funny. I forget that there are other people that have the same stories. I get so wrapped up in my little world that I don't always recognize those with similar situations. I am so focused on getting through the day that I don't always make the time to connect with others. I really didn't know what I was missing. But today, even through my exhaustion of dealing with a 2 year old that just does not want to let me sleep through the night, I am in a great mood because I feel less alone. Not lonely - that isn't the same. I feel that I have another person with the same story. She Gets It. I know there are a lot of single moms, I just didn't have any in my life. But, now I do - and I am so thankful for my friendly blessing.
photo by ChrisI don't think I have ever formally introduced myself. :) So, I thought I would take this opportunity to share my vision of Life, Love & Lemons {blog & photography}.
I have had this dream for as long as I can remember. I didn't dream of doing it professionally, all I knew is that I wanted to take beautiful pictures to have to cherish throughout life. A whirlwind of life experiences were thrown at me, and life has taken a few turns that I never anticipated. And as I say most days, this is the happiest I have ever been. I have the privilege to be a Mama to, who I think, is the sweetest and most adorable little guy on the planet (I may be biased). I am now chasing dreams that have always been there, but I never totally knew what they were. I stumbled, not by accident, onto the beautiful writings by Amy Kolz. I poured over her writings and her story. She inspired me. My personality doesn't allow me to sit and wait. I chase. I act. I do. Now. So, that is what I did. I had my camera already so, I plunged into researching photographers, DIYers, techniques, props, backdrops, prices, reviews of photographers, reviews of equipment, ect. I am still learning - and I love that. I love that no day ever passes where I am not learning something new.
I have a much larger vision for where Life, Love & Lemons is going to go. A few other passions that I have waiting in the wings - and I look forward to developing and sharing along the way! But, I love where we are at right now. I am meeting amazing people. I have bookings more often than not, which is a great place to be! Every mile is accomplished one step at a time. For now, I am just enjoying the experience and not looking too far ahead. I am taking it one step at a time, and smiling along the way. I love the journey.
My blog is kinda random. Someone asked me what my message was? "I don't know" was my response. It is just life - and life is kinda random. It is reflection on the past and cherishing living in the now. It is about the evolution of self and the crazy funny and sentimental moments that get us through the day to day. It's a journey and record. Basically, I get to share all of the 'stuff' in my head. I really enjoy writing it. And I LOVE when people tell me that they read it... I am glad they are able to sift through my grammatical errors!
photo by MeganThe interesting part of this all is that I have shared this dream with someone who has inspired me for many years now. It is my brother-in-law, Chris. He has an amazing eye and his technique is flawless. He is teaching me, a lot! Also, he has industry experience through web design (and a lot of other techy stuff that I have no clue about). Basically, I showed up at he and my sisters house and said, I bought a domain name and site. Now what :) From there, we have been supporting eachother. Chris is more than a partner in this business, he is the husband to my sister and the father to my neice and nephew. He is amazing in all of his roles. He doesn't sleep either! Of course, none of this would be possible without my sister (his wife's) support. They have a relationship that I not only admire, but aspire to have the same amazing partnership in my personal life as Mallory and Chris have developed.
Chris' photo sessions will start to be subject matter of the blog and his pictures will also be joining the Gallery very soon!
Check out our tabs with our own personal bios. Meet Megan! and Meet Chris! Contact us to capture your special life moments!
Thank you to the readers and clients for your support! Share the love on FB! ;)
I don't get that saying... Cat's out of the bag?? If a cat were in a bag, I am pretty sure we would know it... Anyway, onto the important stuff... and by important I mean the adorable session I am now allowed to share.
The folks that know me, know that I can't do surprises! I get so excited, that I ruin it - they get gifts early or I go on and on about the fabulous gift they are going to get... and then I talk myself into telling them what it is. HOWEVER, this surprise I was keeping, kinda... I got to share it with people I work with and my family, but they were NOT allowed to breathe a word about the top secret Father's Day Photo Sessions. But, I received a text yesterday that said, it was no longer a surprise - She had to share the beautiful pictures with her husband. Phewww.... NOW I can share! Thanks Nicole! I was having a hard time containing myself!! ;)
Justin - Happy Father's Day, early! ;)
I made a commitment to myself this year. I disassociate with those who are negative, at least to the best of my ability. Some people are in our lives without say. It is how you choose to let them influence, or more importantly, the lack of influence that matters. I have also determined that I set a standard for myself. This standard always existed but I didn't live it. This new focus was fueled by a quote I found on pinterest - and, no matter what form I see it in - I pin it. It is profound, but so incredibly simple (the best ideas usually are).
"Surround yourself with only those who are going to lift you higher" ~Oprah~
I think I remember seeing that show. I can recall the magnitude of that statement. Because, even 10 years ago when I heard it originally, that is what I wanted for myself - but, I didn't follow through. I surrounded myself with those who I thought I could lift higher. I could help. I could make them better by helping them see their own value. However, I am learning that I was brought down by focusing on trying to lift them up. It wasn't their fault. It was mine. I focused so much on pleasing others that I lost myself in the process. This ends now. An incredible amount of growth comes from self intraspection and reflection. To be honest - my gut always knew - but, I listened to my heart, which is too big at times. This didn't mean that I got hurt - it usually meant others got hurt. I would realize that I was living a life other than what I wanted for myself and I would back out. Not because I didn't care, but because at some point I listened to my gut. My gut is usually right.
I promised myself this year, no more compromising. No more giving more to others than I give to myself - with the obvious exception of Brayden - but that is a given, it goes without saying. Healthy parents put their children first.
I have met some really incredible people. Actually, there are a few who helped encourage me to realize this goal before I completely absorbed the impact of that way of life. And the many who support me, they don't realize the amount of influence they have had on me. They do it by lifting me higher. They do it through encouragement and support. They are the arms that push me when I doubt myself. And, they point out how I can do better. Not because they are critical but because they know I can, and will.
This year, I do this for me. And ultimately, I do this for Brayden. I will be the example of a strong, confident, loving women. The type of qualities I want for him - and the qualities I want him to seek out in a partner someday. It is also interesting, the more you surround yourself with these people - you also become that same type. People will surround themselves with you because you lift them. Can you imagine a world that always did this? What a great place that would be.
So for now, make your own little world of people who raise you up and lift you a little bit higher. And, be that influence on others that makes them want to surrounds themselves with you.
Happy Friday and Have a wonderful weekend!
Brayden goes to daycare just down the street from where we live and where I work. Now that the weather is beautiful we have been enjoying brisk morning walks to school. After I drop him off, I smile all the way to work, laughing about the conversations we have.
Every morning we look for squirrels. I say to him,"Brayden, do you see any squirrels?" He replies,"Nope!" I ask, "Do you think they are still sleeping?"... and his beautiful response,"Yup. They snuggle with their Mama!"... I love that kid! I want to bottle up that sweetness and keep it forever.
It is a great way to start my day. After the rushing to get ready in the morning we get that downtime on a 12 minute walk to school. We get to discuss trains and trucks, squirrels and birds, rocks and sticks. It is beautiful - I really cherish that time. It usually means that I am going to walk into work a few minutes late but it doesn't bother me too much. I walk in late but with a smile. I get 12 extra minutes with B and 12 minutes of reflection time on my walk back (and a little exercise too)! It's a win-win-win!
I have been a little MIA on the blog and photography. I have had some ADORABLE photo sessions - but, I can't post them until after Father's Day - the images are TOP SECRET! It is killing me... seriously. All of the cuteness is hidden away... and it feels so wrong! But, it will be worth it for the Dad's that will be getting the top secret surprise!
This is a beautiful time of year to do family photos! Schedule yours today! Contact me for available dates and pricing!