Mike & Kelly

Kelly and I used to work together a few years back and we became good friends. We were even both pregnant with our 2nd child at the same time; they are just a month apart. I was looking forward to photographing her family. The park we chose was extremely crowded though. There were tons of people picknicking, a birthday party going on, lots of parked vehicles, and even a volleyball net we had to work around. But they are such fun people we managed to make it work. Kelly even invited her Big Brothers Big Sisters "little sister" Ciara to round out the gang. Here are a few of my favorites.

Stormy Weather

I like the idea of storms; you know, cozying up inside the house, watching the rain fall. It's much different when you are in a car with your entire family (life) and it's a beautiful day, until out of nowhere it comes. "IT" ended up having atleast two tornado spottings and live wires down on the road at the end of our street.
We were heading for the grocery store when we saw the sky change quickly and heard the tornado siren go off. We called my mother in law (one of my favorite people) who lives close to our house, and she confirmed it was a mess there. We drove home as fast as we could right into the pounding rain and branches falling. Thank goodness we had a comic relief moment when a beach ball blew by! We needed it. Within 1 minute, my husband and I had the boys in the basement along with phone, cell phone & charger, water, milk, peanut butter, bread, pretzels, bananas, plastic knife, blanket, and weather radio with flashlight - no kidding. It's the mom thing. After about an hour all was clear in our area and as far as I know, no one was hurt. Did I mention that..........I just like the "idea" of storms?

I went out later last night to put my car into the garage and the clouds were very unusual; very spider- webby and dense at the same time. These images really don't do them justice, but I just wanted to grab something quick and head to bed.

SMILE

SMILE! HAPPY MONDAY!

Beat The Heat!

So who knew that the pool didn't open until Noon! Not us! Armed with towels, snacks, sippy cup, shades, sunscreen and a stroller, we piled back into the car after reading the sign stating "Not Open To the Public". It wasn't even 11:oo and we couldn't wait the hour because Roman had to be back home to get his (neccessary) nap in by 12:30 or 1:00. The bees are horrible in our yard lately so we just decided to make do on the deck with the hose and the tiny baby pool. They really didn't mind though; it was just great to cool off!














This last one I couldn't resist. He wasn't standing still long and I only got one shot, but it's so worth it. Baby tush! I love it. Oh well, atleast the neighbors have kids too. They understand.

Take The Time

A simple photo of a flower. A brown eyed susan in our backyard. So little and so easily missed. It really makes me think about why I noticed it and appreciated it and knew what it could become in my camera.
I make time to do that.
I'm not in the rat race to the top and my joys do not come from material things. I'm so lucky to be able to spend so much time with my children and my family. That is where my joy is. I promise them not to become distracted by acquiring things that will never fill my heart the way they do. The collapse of the bridge in Minnesota is an all too real account of just how fragile life can be. We can't plan or control what we have no say in, but we can try to make the right choices each day and take the time to stop and notice, and appreciate the little "things, moments, & memories" that will truly make our hearts smile for a long time. And theirs too :)