Summer so far...

Just some random photos taken of summer days so far. Time has been scarce as my schedule has been super busy and it seems like the days of summer are quickly flying by. Luckily there has been some time where the weather has both been nice and I have not had to be or do something else instead. There are tons of things I want to catch up on, but I have been telling myself to just "let it go" and save it for a rainy, cold day. For right now, I just want to get back on track and start being present and living in the now instead of always continuing to worry about tomorrow. Yesterday was my best friend Hannan's baby shower for her son Cody. He is just the sweetest, (I am in love...) and he was super spoiled with tons of gifts. It was so great to see my girls and just hang out, laugh, eat, and reminisce about the good ol' days...our old challenges, our new ones. Nothing can take away from the bond we all share. I absolutely LOVED our time together yesterday. So special because these days, times like yesterday do not happen too often! Hurley and Troy chilling out on the boat. Quick snapshot of Matt. Getting all suited up, ready to ride. Our little family. Times like these I love.

Family Photos

Just posting a few photos taken of my hubby, parents and I at a friends wedding last weekend. And FINALLY I figured out how to post larger images...thanks to all of you out there who I bugged for info on this...lol. After hours of playing around I finally figured it out...and it really was quite simple to do...haha.

Reality Check

After having quite an interesting week unfold unexpectedly, taking the time to jot some things down that remind me of all that is good and happy seems like a really good thing to do. I guess it is just all about growing older, exposing oneself, or being exposed to things that are not always easy to accept, understand, and digest is truly what this life, and life LESSONS are all about. Everyone is dealt different cards, it is really overwhelming at times to understand the "who, why's, how's" of situations. Why some are luckier than others, and those others who are dealt the extremes of extremes with situations that literally bring you to your knees. Like I always say, "every day is a good day when nothing bad happens". Each day is truly a gift, how we choose to unwrap our "present" is ultimately up to us. Here is how I have chosen to recognize and unwrap mine with all things good and happy! *Music and dancing. Ultimately the best way to sweat it out and just feel good. *My camera. Indulging in photography and capturing others bliss elates me to no end. I love drowning myself in others moments of joy. *My husband. He is just SO there for me. He stands by me regardless and seems to love me even more when I can be so hard to love. *Animals. I love my dog, but I also love observing all of the other animals I see in my day. Dogs, cats, birds, butterflies. I love the LIFE of spring and summer. *Good books. Such an excellent way to end the day. Losing myself within the pages of a book all the while cuddled up in bed for the night propped up on tons of pillows. I love it. *My friendships. I love my girls so much. You all are amazing to me. *My parents. Through thick and thin, ALWAYS there. So blessed for this. All things good and happy. It is a great place to be. "I do believe that when we face challenges in life that are far beyond our own power, it is an opportunity to build on our faith, inner strength and courage. I have learned that how we face challenges plays a big role in the outcome of them." ~Sasha Azevedo

Through my lens I see...

Through my lens, I see life unfold... Through my lens I see the beauty and strength of a mother...

Through my lens I am able to capture the stolen, quiet moments between a husband and wife, a father and mother...

Through my lens I see pure joy and bliss. The simplest moments that warm the heart and mean more than anything.

Through my lens I see a beautiful family.

Through my lens I see growth and the potential for the future. I see hope.

Through my lens I am so blessed to have the ability to see the most beautiful things in the world.

Thank you Hadla and your beautiful family for allowing me to capture some very cool and beautiful moments for you through my lens. You are truly blessed and your family has truly inspired me. I hope you enjoyed this little sneek peek of you all as I did capturing you all through my lens.

Class of 2009

Last weekend Ihad the very important job of taking some graduation photos for a dear family friend. I have know Michelle since she was a toddler and seeing her now all grown up and graduating, is really quite overwhelming. The ol sayings, "where has time gone...and so fast has life gone" definitly ran through my mind a few times that day. Needless to say, it was really neat to be the "fly on the wall" on her day of graduation, spending time with excited family and friends and just being able to capture it all for someone. I felt very fortunate to be part of someones very special day, which is really such an intimate time for them. Below are a few of my favorite shots of the day of Michelle and her escort/boyfriend Kyle. I had tons of fun with them all day, as they were super cooperative and patient, and most importantly as you will see from the photos...they made my job SUPER easy to do; and do well! I really hope they love them. Congratulations to you both!