Fall Moments

I think we could all agree that life is busy. It rings true of my life every.single.day. I am constantly reminding myself of what my priorities need to be and what is really important in this life. I am desperately trying to come to a balance in my life that can be sustained, I do not want to look back and realized I missed what was important because I was too busy. To name all the great times we had this fall would take forever, we have been blessed week by week through friendships, each other, growing in Christ and so much more. That being said, here are some of my favorite moments that I photographed.  

     1. Aiden's Birthday.    

    2. Beautiful warm fall weather!

   3. Hot chocolate together with Aiden. He loves-loves-loves it of course!

    

    3. Gavin crawling- complete with all the joys and extra awareness that comes with it!

    4. My family coming for visits and looking forward to more family visiting in the next month!

    5. Some self portraits taken by none other than my son, Aiden. He LOVED to push the button and
    would say "look I did it mom" when he saw the picture on the screen.

I hope you enjoyed your fall. Now it's time to gear up for Winter - yikes!

Aiden :: 3 Years Old

Here we go, entering a new year. A 3 year old. I don't know what this year holds for us, but I am excited for our boys to keep growing. I love the ever changing interactions we are able to have with Aiden and can't even imagine how it will grow as he does. He is a blessing. 

I love how I was able to get different sides of Aiden in these pictures, and there are a lot more that just make me laugh because it's so him. I couldn't have gotten what I did without my sweet husband who helps with these shoots to make Aiden laugh. Enjoy!

Lights Out

Last night I went grocery shopping with Aiden and when we came back the power was randomly out on our block. With Dan's help we carried all the groceries in the house. It was then Aiden's bedtime and it was his first lights out experience so it actually was really fun. He kept making us laugh and had fun with the flashlights.

At first I was kind of annoyed with the whole no power thing because I had a good amount of normal house maintenance I was planning on doing. But when it wasn't an option I decided to embrace the moment and actually got excited about the possibilities. I got my books and decided to do some quick dishes by candlelight. Then the lights came back on and I found myself being disappointed. In that 25 minutes or so I experienced a freedom. A weight off my shoulders. I didn't feel the pressure of the never ending to do list or that my living room was covered in toys. So, even though the power turned on I decided to go on with my original plan. But unfortunately the "freedom" I had felt was gone, the list and the possibilities were back and immediately a temptation to just veg and be entertained. But I just sat down with my Bible study book and notebooks by candlelight. It was kind of hard to see, haha, but it was good. It was good for my soul, it was refreshing. When I was done I was tired, so I stood up, left all my stuff there and went to bed. Didn't turn on a light and fully embraced the peace in my heart.

I know that life is busy, work, ministry & kids make you busy and then there is the never ending to do list. But though I may accomplish a lot, am I better for it? Or does it have a negative effect on me and those around me?

My encouragement to you is to take time for your soul, be refreshed in God, have a no power evening and sometimes go to bed early! You will be better for it.   

Happy Birthday Aiden!

Three years ago today my life changed forever. I never knew that a mother's love could be so strong as I began to experience on that day. Checking into the hospital around 6:30 and having my little boy in my arms at 12:10pm. A miracle and a life formed by God's hands inside me. Craziness I tell you!

Without a doubt I loved Aiden very much from the start and over the past 3 years that love has deepened, perhaps becoming more real. I'm not sure how to describe it. I feel like I'm beginning to grasp the reality of raising a child. And I'm sure as time goes on my love will continue to grow and change. But I am so thankful to God for blessing us with Aiden. He is a gift. 

Aiden, you are a joy to our hearts. It's extremely exciting to watch you grow and learn and experience new things. I can't believe it's been three years already- a blink of an eye. I love having conversations with you, hearing you talk with other people and seeing your brain working. I love how much you love Daddy, Gavin & I. You are a special boy and I'm so thankful I get to be your mommy!! Happy 3rd Birthday Aiden- WE LOVE YOU!

Warning-lots of pictures coming up!