Someone had her first birthday!

My youngest had her first birthday! There are days I can't believe it has been a year since she was born, and there are other days I can't believe it's been only a year. Little Thumper continues to brings us joy and confound us with her stubbornness and dislike of sleep. She loves her sisters, loves to play, but is often quite serious. She's a funny little honey, and our family wouldn't be complete without her. I love her so much! Oh, and she gives THE BEST hugs. Really. She does. They are amazing.

 Here she is on her birthday:
In other exciting news, my SIL had her second baby! I have a new little niece, and I can't wait to meet her in June! Oh, the months can't pass quickly enough.

We had some excitement on Saturday when Peanut saw a snake in our yard.  Thankfully it was a harmless ribbon snake, and thankfully Peanut saw it before she stepped on it.  Am I the only one who thinks it looks silly resting on a dandelion?  That seems so...unsnake-like. 

Also, Peanut, who is four, got her first haircut. She was incredibly excited to go to the "beauty salon," and claims they "cut only three hairs." Oh, my silly munchkins.

Counting Blessings

The world is filled with so much tragedy and ugliness. My heart weeps for those affected by the bombs in Boston, and I'm offering up prayers for everyone. I think now is a good time to focus on the beautiful gifts we are given. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the beautiful spring days that bring bare feet, dresses, and time spent in cherry trees.

A few more from the engagement session

I can't wait to go to their wedding! I hope they let me take some pre-wedding photos of the bridesmaids and the bride getting ready.

Engage!

I get to go to a wedding this summer! I'm so excited for my friends, and I was thrilled that they asked me to take some engagement pictures for them. Here are a few.

She's baaaack!

WOOHOO!!

 I have my computer up and running! Now, if I could somehow add some hours in the day, ones that my children aren't awake and I don't need sleep, I would have more time to work on my photography. I don't have a lot of time because during the day I chase around my three monkeys, ages 5, 4, and 11 months, as well as homeschooling and regular wife/mommy duties. In the evening I have to work at my part-time job, and by the time I finish, I'm too exhausted to do anything but sleep. I'm just glad that I once again have the opportunity to once again do some photography work when I can squeeze it in a few minutes during the day.

 I actually did a photo shoot of a family in my neighborhood. It was great! The family is not only gorgeous, but they were tons of fun to work with. Here are a few of the pictures.

Computer Woes

Just to quick note to explain why I have not been posting. My hard drive decided it was time to crash even though it was less than 2 years old. I had backed up a lot of my work, but it is still take time transferring programs and other items onto my new hard drive. I also have to find all the correct drivers to ensure my computer works, and this is not the easiest task. Did I mention I have to do all of this between taking care of my 3 daughters, doing housework, homeschooling, taking pictures (yes, two of my neighbors asked me to do family portraits), spending time with my husband, getting ready for Christmas, and doing my part-time job that actually makes me a little money. Man, life is tough. I miss posting pictures, and I hope to have Photoshop up and running again soon.

A blessing

I have so much to catch up on, but just a short post for now. 

God has blessed me with amazing neighbors!  While I was never enthusiastic about moving to where we currently live, God helped me with the adjustment by sending me somewhere with amazing people.  Truly God gave me the help I needed in my neighbors. 

One family, in particular, has been very kind, and it's awesome that they have so many children that get along with my girls.  How could I not take pictures of this amazing family?







I am SO blessed to call this woman my friend!