The Bandit

It has been too long since I have hunted down a woman who is otherwise not me. I love to hear others perspective on things. I was truly lucky to have snagged this beautiful lady due to the fact that she just happened to be in town. We quickly got together and she patiently dealt with my babies who had to tag along on this shoot, I told you we got together on super short notice. Needless to say she was charming and lovely and things went better than expected.

So this is my darling friend Jessica. She is actually my husbands friend and was at one time referred to as a "Sleepover Bandit" along with her cousin Ellen. They spent a lot of time with my husband and his brother long before I met him. I was so jealous of these girls at first. But found that they were really all just great friends. I have followed her ever since blogging showed up and have found out why they all got along so well. To me she seems to be one adventurous woman. Never sitting still for a moment. I have loved getting to know her better and to realize just how cool she really is. So here you go people another wonderful woman's outlook on getting older...

On August 4th of last year I turned 30, and I think it's safe to say I was freaking out right before I hit this milestone. I still feel 17 sometimes so it's hard to believe I'm 30! When I was younger I thought of people in their 30's as "old" but now that I am there, my mind has definitely changed. Now I look at people in their 30's as having it all together, the 20's are spent building what you can enjoy throughout the remainder of life and now I get to start reaping the benefits.

I've been doing some serious thinking lately, thinking about what I've accomplished in my 20's and what I want to do in my 30's. I feel like a new chapter in my life is beginning.

I've been married for 9 years to my best friend. Seriously. Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky. Tony knows everything about me and still loves me slash loves me even more because of it. So anyways, for those 9 years, my husband has been going to school the entire time. First it was an associates of applied science degree, then a bachelors degree, and then onto a graduate physician assistant program. Well, after a long, LONG time of him studying his brains out and me basically being a single mom while he was at school, he finally graduated.... the day after I turned 30 (probably the greatest gift he could've given me).

I have two beautiful little girls, Indie Marie is 5 and Eden Grace is 2 1/2. Indie was born with a rare genetic disorder called Partial Trisomy 13. Considering the diagnosis, Indie is flourishing. She has issues with her vision and hearing and is developmentally delayed but despite all that she makes incredible strides everyday. Eden is as sassy as they come, and smart as a whip. I love them both more than tongue can tell, of course, but it has been a rough couple of years. There were a few months there where I spent my days holding them in a rocking chair reading books to them, singing songs to them, and basically trying not to go crazy. To say I had my hands full would be a MAJOR understatement.

So, what I'm trying to get at is that I can't wait for my 30's. I'm looking forward to my husband being done with school. For him to go to work and not have to do homework when he comes home, that will be something I have never known in our relationship. I'm looking forward to finally making some money, we have been "starving college students" for too long. I'm looking forward to my kids getting a little older and more self sufficient. Indie is making such great progress and she is getting much easier to manage every day.

This might sound weird but I feel like I'm finally becoming the person I'm supposed to be. I'm learning how to manage everything in life so that I have time for everyone, including myself. I have made an effort to find time to go to the gym, and feel like I'm in the best shape of my life. I've made time for book club, craft nights, and girls nights which has helped foster several meaningful and lasting friendships that I really cherish. I've made even more time for my husband and children because they're the most important people in my life. I'm looking forward to spending my 30's with the people I love most!

So there you have it. I feel like my 30's are going to be pretty rockin'.

I hope you all enjoyed meeting Jessica. I know I had a ball taking her picture. My favs are of her laughing. They where so natural. If anyone is interested in doing this and sharing how they feel about either turning 30 or already being 30, PLEASE contact me.

The big REVEAL!

A few months back my hubby and I took off for a day or two to visit his brother in Texas. I was acting a little funny on the trip. I was eating everything in sight. Seriously I made them stop and buy me a sandwich at like 10 at night. So of course with my new appetite the jokes began. When we got home things took a turn for the worse. I got sick! Seriously sick.... Everything was nasty instead of being must eat must have now. I hate with all of heart those first few months of being pregnant and well it soon became very clear that my suspicions were real. I was PREGNANT! Not so much the how question came up as much as the why??? Who in their right mind would think it a good idea for a woman who has already been blessed with four kids need another? Someone did and finally I am excited. For the past few months I have dreaded...... what was to come. I wasn't pregnant, just growing fatter. Now my attitude has changed and I am ready embrace the crazy, embrace the new little person and love and squeeze it to pieces.

Now since I am truly certain this is the final baby that I will have to care for I figured I would try to do something fun. My family has been waiting for days for the fun game I had planned for the kids. Well my plan didn't go so well, but I did catch a few fun and funny(sad) moments and then went ahead with the diego shirt and tears due to a sticker and lost balloon. So with out prolonging the fun... Her is our big reveal.

Women's Project

I got a phone call the other day about putting some of my work on the wall of a Woman's Center. The idea is to show women as happy as possible in all walks of life. We as women are tough cookies. We are the defining factor of a how a household runs. If we are going nuts, then so is the house. If we are peaceful and calm then it will radiate through out those living with us.

We have a huge responsibility to be under control even when we feel out of our minds crazy. Being a woman no matter how old you are is tough work.

I feel honored to have even been asked to search though my pictures to see what I have of women that would be worthy of posting on a wall for hundreds of people to see. As I got to searching I found that I was emotionally attached to many of these photos. They stirred feelings in me. Some of them are not perfect examples of the project described, but the emotions that are behind them are Women to me. And since that is what I have been blogging about for the last few months I figured all would fit. So here we go with short stories of wonderful women and beautiful babies that inspired me and remind me of Women from all walks of life are about...

This picture was taken at a wedding that had the fun chance to be a part of. The actual photograph I am in love with. It symbolizes the end of a very happy life, and the beginning of another. Two people who love one another very much sharing a tender moment.

Girls and their darling friends! Do we not all stand around sharing our favorite moments of the week, or cry on one anothers shoulders? We need each other and need time to chat about what is important in our lives. And what better place to do that than your best friends wedding.

The hand he will continue to hang onto for guidance through his entire life. How many of us turn to our Mothers for direction when we are lost. When we were young who took us by the hand and guided us through those tough times?

The love we have for our children and the adoring looks we give them never seem to change no matter how old they get.

Because we love babies!

This is my own mother tenderly holding one of her perfect grandchildren. They all mean so much to her. When I took this I sadly thought of a mothers who hold there children when they are terribly sick. Wishing it was them who was suffering this awful pain. Mothers may not always be able to take the hurt away, but being in their arms for a while can lessen the aches.

This is my aunt. She is one incredible lady. There was never a day growing up that we didn't want to go and spend time at her house. I was lucky to live close to her and on many occasions saw things at her little farm that most kids don't get to see. The emotion in this picture was taken after the funeral of her mother. She had had the opportunity to take care of her for the last few months of her life. The stories she shared of her mothers last days on this earth where I know priceless to her as well as many more who has had the privledge of hearing them. I love you Aunt Jean!

Another one of my aunts who has also had a tough year. Every summer I have the amazing chance to spend several days with incredible people who I have grown up loving and pattering my life after. She is one of these wonderful women. Earlier in the year her husband passed away from a long fight with caner. The balloons were a tribute to him. The best part of the story is as the balloons drifted off in the sky the headed towards his most favorite place in the world.

You have seen this picture before. But here is my sister in law. I see her as a one of the strongest, most smart people I know. She loves her family so much and works as hard as anyone I have ever met. Her advice is priceless, and has an outlook on life that is inspiring.

This lovely lady is, and will forever hold a place in my heart.

Because sisters laugh and love each other this much.

This group of woman I have known for a long time. And I love ever single on of them. I would dare say they could tell you stories of my youth that would embarrass mostly me and my best friend. I only hope my daughter has a friend and a family that loves them as much as they did me.

Mommies love their daughter from start to finish.

Again two sisters who have been through it all together. Neither have ever married, but have stood by each others side and raised some of the most wonderful women I know to date. If only they could know the affect that they have had on so many people.

My darling aunt on one of the happier days of her life.

Same baby! Same beauty!

Another mommy guiding her son by the hand.

My darling baby after a lip surgery that changed his perfect little face. Mothers love their children and think they are perfect despite their struggles.

We love the men in our live this much!

The freedom of a child!

My darling grandmother who passed away earlier this year. I loved and admired her so much.

Two of the happiest people on their 50th wedding anniversary.

Sisters stick together.

My sister!

We even love the goofy face!

The feeling of when that little person inside of you moves is undescribable.

We make each other laugh!

My auntie once again with the love of her life who never forgot their song, and surprised her on their 50th and danced her around the room.

My personal favorite picture of the whole thing. It is how I truly feel about my children. They make me laugh like this at least once a day. I adore them and the all of the incredible women in my life. Thank You Jackie for the chance to even think about all of these wonderful people I happened to capture. And yes you even made the cut!