Christmas Tree

I’m always amazed how fast the transition is from one holiday to another. One day I am saying Happy Thanksgiving and the next day, we go full throttle into the next holiday. Well, like the rest of the world, we wasted no time getting our Christmas tree and jumping in to the Christmas spirit. The boys are loving seeing all the Christmas lights on homes and Travis is eagerly waiting for it to snow so he can go outside and play in it. As much as I am dreading the snow, I am enjoying the new change of pace since during the winter season, life slows down….thanks to the cold  

A tradition that we have in our family, all the way back to when I was born, is getting a Christmas ornament each year. Each ornament represents a reflection from the year, either a milestone, a favorite cartoon or a vacation that we took. When I got married, I was loaded with 24 ornaments that all shares a special sentiment. Chad and I decided to carry on that same tradition to our boys and I know that it is one that they will appreciate and enjoy just like I did. The boys loved looking at their own personal ornaments, as well as hearing the story behind mommy and daddy’s special ornaments. I love that there is history behind each ornament and that as a family, we can reminisce about these special times and share our stories with them all the way back to our own very first Christmas.

Travis liked making faces in the Christmas ball

More faces…and even Daddy joined in!

One of Daddy’s first homemade Christmas ornament.

Happy Thanksgiving

The other morning, as I rolled over, I looked at the empty spot next to me, a spot that had probably been vacant for the last 3-4 hours. There was no longer any body warmth, just sheets that had been turned over as Chad got out of bed to go to work. I lie looking in that position just thinking, thinking of how much I appreciate Chad all the hard work and sacrifices that Chad makes for our family, sacrifices that I know I would struggle to make had those responsibilities been put on my shoulders. As I roll over to my other side, I am startled by these big brown smiley eyes behind a blue blankie that are nearly inches away from my face. Travis knows that he surprised me and immediately greets me and apologizes for scaring me. His little sweet voice asks if he can climb in bed with me and snuggle, and within minutes, we are laying side by side. Let's face it, no one wakes up in the morning looking their best, and I for one, get scared by the image that greets me every morning in the mirror. Pillow lines, crazy hair, dark circles and scrunchy eyes aren't exactly my definition of beauty. But, one of the first things Travis says to me after he asks how I slept, is "mommy, you're so beautiful." and at that instant, my heart melts and I am ready to face my day.

I am lucky to say that every morning, I wake up to the pitter patter of my little boys...either pitter patter that is running back into his room to make sure he doesn't get caught outside of his bedroom, or pitter patter into my room, to snuggle in bed with me. I also hear laughter, thumping, and squeals coming from Derek's room as he patiently awaits for us to come get him out of his crib. These sounds and moments bring so much joy to my heart and I am so grateful that I get to be a part of our boys everyday life, even the times that are difficult.

I am so thankful that God has blessed me with such a loving, thoughtful and selfless husband, and two beautiful boys who bring so much joy to our lives. Everyday isn't always perfect, but the fulfillment and love that we have for one another is what makes life perfect. Today, and every day, I celebrate all the blessings that God has given us, although they are too numerous to count, they are evident in our everyday life, starting with the laughter of our two beautiful boys.

Capturing Your: Heart

You know the expression, “if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes?”, well, that is definitely the case with Colorado. Growing up in Southern California, I’ve only experienced one type of weather…warm. Ok, maybe it’s not always warm, I mean…after all, we have June Gloom and occasionally we have “Storm Watch” for the trickle the newscasters like to refer as “rain”.  But here in Colorado, it’s a whole ‘nother story! I can wake up to bright sunny skies, by lunch experience whipping winds, and by dinner be outside shoveling 2 feet of snow. And what is even more crazy, is that the weather is very local. I can call Chad who works about 20 miles from our home and he is getting slammed with snow and at our home we have nothing. I love the “pocket” we live in since it protects us from the more extreme weather.

Well, sometimes this crazy fluctuation in our weather system can disrupt a perfectly well thought and planned photo shoot, like it did with this beautiful family. The weather was beautiful, there was still some golden leaves on the trees…but the wind was out of control. So instead of waiting 15 minutes, we waited 7 days to get some stability in our weather for our second attempt. I am so grateful for the families that I work with because they are understanding and know that some things are just beyond our control. I had a great time meeting this fun family and getting to know all the sweet personalities of their children. I absolutely ADORE their little men of the family….they are SUCH handsome little men. And really, why is it that boys always get the long eyelashes? And of course, handsome boys means beautiful sisters! Both McKenzie and September (isn’t that the coolest name?) have radiant smiles and were such sweet little ladies. Thank you Stephanie and Derrick for such a fun time with your family and enduring the not so fun weather. I loved your family’s energy and hope you enjoy the pictures of your beautiful family for years to come!

To book your session, please email me at yourlifemylens@hotmail.com