We have a very important rule in our family.  Whenever you go to a hotel, you simply must jump on the bed. And for this entire next year, whenever I get discouraged, I’ll look through these pictures and smile and realize just how blessed I am.

A person worth a 10+ hour car ride with a 7 and a 4.5 year old? They are loving. Gracious. Hilarious. A gift to all who know them. That summarizes this sweet family.  And though it was a crazy ride – they are worth every mile. Lauren and Joe, I love you guys. And I […]

All of the stories I get the privilege of documenting are personal for me.  It’s the only way I can shoot.  And…well…the people become a part of my life. But this one?  Extra personal. While we lived in the Wheaton area, we had the privilege of getting to know some college students.  They became family: […]

To the sweet mommy who feels discouraged today…like she’s less than and can’t get it together – like it’s all too much and there are too many questions and too many requests and you’re about to lose your marbles… YOU. Yes, you. We’re in this together.  And I’m cheering for you.  Doing cartwheels for you.  […]

She looked in the mirror one last time.  Her eyes danced.  She was ready. All morning she had been waiting for this moment.  The moment when she would walk down the aisle to him – only him. With anxious steps, she smiled all the way to him.  His eyes met hers.  And he held her […]

For all of you who know my dad… My dad just recently learned that he has a blood disorder. The good news? He’s doing well and this was caught early. The EXTRA beautiful news? My dad for years has been passionate about donating blood. Up until recently, he gave faithfully every time he could. Giving […]

We’re moving.  Again. Not quite so far, but a change nonetheless.  Which means boxes.  And packing said boxes.  And lots of things that sometimes leave me feeling overwhelmed. But yesterday – I set out to tackle some boxes and make things happen… I asked my oldest 2 to go upstairs and get Hannah’s stuffed animals […]

They held hands. He pointed to her ring finger. “One day…I’ll earn that finger.” Their love grew.  And held hands through joy and loss and laughter and life with 6 dogs and 2 cats. And in a matter of days, she will place a ring on his finger…  And their story – the one where […]

He is my joy. My laughter. My ball of energy and hilarity. Oh how I love this little man…

Though I entered motherhood unexpectedly, during those 9 months of freaking out and wondering how on earth I could raise a kid without losing him or her, I reached a few conclusions. I would give myself fully to my kids.  The very best I could do.  100%.  They would eat their veggies.  They would be […]