The Face of 30

Perhaps I should consider enjoying this time in my life instead of anticipating the milestones that come next. I have found myself thinking about the strong memories of my childhood a lot lately, that happens often this time of year, and I wonder how those same kinds of moments will play out in Easton's life. I am certainly excited to hear my son say my name and I cannot wait until he knows what I mean when I tell him I love him. His first day of school will arrive all too soon, and rudely remind me of the speed at which time travels, and still, I get tearful thinking about him coming through the front door after school with his little backpack bouncing back and forth as he darts across the house to show us the art project he did in class that day. I look so forward to these moments and yet they will be gone the second they occur, leaving us with nothing but the hope of a memory to recall when another year has passed.

25 years ago my husband was in Kindergarten. He was born and raised in the same town both of his parents were brought up in. Through his family, he has strong roots and a place in the history of a beautiful, small town. He has 30 years of friendships, memories and stories that will be shared for years by the people he has spent his life with.

Chris is an incredible person and good to the core. His sense of humor sees us through hard times and awkward moments. He has a born gift when it comes to dealing with me. His smile sees me through moments I might have otherwise not survived. My husband is the best father I could have asked for my children to have and he is a loving, selfless friend that I have the honor of sharing my life with. He knows me better than I know myself. He knows where I leave all the things I lose and even deciphered my taste in jewelry before I owned any! He cooks, he cleans, he even snuggles!! He doesn't make me listen to music that I might not be into, and he never complains about what is on the menu for dinner. In the time I have been with him, Chris's ambition for life and work has never faltered. We are always doing something fun but he knows what is important and always takes care of business. He does what is needed, will help a friend who needs him and leads a simple, honest life. I never have to wonder what he is thinking because he speaks truthfully and genuinely.

I know how truly lucky I am in this life. To have a husband who undoubtedly loves me and whom I trust whith my whole heart is a blessing I sometimes can't believe I was given.

I love you, Chris.

Love,

Me

Trikes & Grass

I LOVE the summertime! Not only because of all the fun things we have going on and the warm weather and the popsicles and the swimming and the BBQ'ing....but I digress. I also LOVE the sunlight this time of year. Each season has such uniquely warm evening light and while I am surrounded by beautiful scenery year round in this awesome state, I can't say that I always get to take advantage of the light.

Anyway... here are a few summery shots I took after Easton's birthday. His aunt & uncle brought him this super sweet, vintage tricycle for his birthday. I can't decide what I like better about it, the ape-hanger-ish handlebars, or the streamers. Wait a second....... are streamers for girls????? Hmm......

One Year of Sweet, Parental, Bliss

My son turned 1 on the 19th of July. I can hardly believe it! The time has flown by and over the past few days all I can think about is the night we checked into the maternity ward at Good Samaritan Hospital. I thought he was beautiful then.... but look at him now.........

After Easton was born, someone said to me that after their first child was born, she couldn't possibly understand how she could love a second child the same as she loved her first. At the time, I thought, you're nuts! This is so much fun, I could love 100 kids just the way I love Easton. He was awesome as a newborn. He was easy: a good eater, an excellent sleeper and always seemed to be happy. But now that he's 1, I feel a little different. First of all, I could NEVER have 100 kids. But I also think I understand what she meant. There's something so genuine and unique about the way you love your kids. And although I haven't had anymore at this point, I know that this time is particularly special. Easton is a beacon of joy. A constant source of happiness and his entry into our lives has changed so much about who I am. I feel like the Grinch Who Stole Christmas.... my heart has grown and felt so much in the last year. And all it took was this tiny, little person with squishy cheeks, chubby thighs, and a silly giggle to come into my life and show me what it's all about.

And you wanna know the best part of it all? He loves to snuggle. :)

Happy Birthday Easton.

10 Things I Learned About Mexico

1. The Margaritas really are better south of the border.


2. There's no sense in getting a pedicure if you are spending any time at the beach.


3. I finally understand why people prefer the pool to the ocean water.


4. Nothing compares to dinner under a grass hut with friends & family and the surf nipping at your toes.


5. 2 for 1 Happy Hour can actually last for 7 hours!


6. Nothing is the same in Mexico as it is in The States. This includes cheeseburgers, Doritos & Subway.


7. There is something to be said for American emissions requirements. (AND TRAFFIC LAWS!)


8. Mexican beer is good.


9. My Spanish teacher was really good.


10. And there's no place like home.

156 Perspectives

So far so good. I haven't missed any topics for our photograpy project. AND I even got one of my project photos published on the Pioneer Woman's blog! I couldn't believe it! Week 2 was "Fowl" (as in birds). I really do adore this shot and am so proud to have had it published on the PW Photography Assignments blog! I'm in Group 3 so you'll have to scroll down about halfway down the page to see my entry.

Last week's topic was fitting for the dates. "EASTER EGGS" I was having a bit of a creative block, but I snapped these on Easter before family got to the house for dinner. Next time I'll try to be a little more original on the seasonal theme!

*SIGH*

Well, sad news Folks. I have no new sessions to blog about! I suppose I should be grateful that nobody booked with me during this wretched week of wintery weather. (I mean c'mon! SNOW? IN APRIL???) So that means you all are stuck. Stuck seeing the sweetest, little face on Earth. This is someone you have (or will) come to know and recognize. Our boy, Easton.

How can you not love this face!?

Sweet Series

Last weekend we had some seriously gorgeous sunshine! I brought Easton outside to soak up some sunshine while it lasted and caught this sweet series of candids. (Well, they are sort of all candid at this stage, aren't they?)