Honeymoon in heaven

Well since I'm still waiting for wedding photos (as patiently as possible I swear) we'll just skip to the honeymoon.  Devin and I left the morning after our wedding for the airport and headed to Maui.  He's never been and I haven't been back to this gorgeous island since my family went when I was about 10.  First off a big, giant, huge THANK YOU goes to my generous aunt and uncle that made this trip happen by letting us use their time share points.  We were thinking we might be able to afford a trip to San Diego or Santa Cruz but when my aunt and uncle told gave us this awesome gift we went straight for tropical island.

Maui did not disappoint in any way.  From the perfect weather to the friendly people and the delicious food we soaked up every moment and cherished it.  These were all taken on day one.  I had to catch up on some sleep and Devin went exploring with out me.  I missed out on Devin spotting a sea turtle trying to catch a crab just feet away from where he stood.  Why must I require sleep? We stayed at the Aston Maui Kaanapali Villa's and loved the gorgeous beach the resort sat on.  But we didn't spend a whole lot of time there during our week.  It was a great place to relax and catch our breath but with so much beauty to see and the freedom to explore we couldn't sit still for too long.  I'll share some photos from our explorations later.  Too much for one post.  Sigh. I heart Maui.

A bridal shower and a baby fix

Whew.

Another weekend of running around making the most of every moment.

I crammed my car full of kids and hauled them to all kinds of fun on Fri and Sat. They arrived safely, got fed, didn't fight, and said they had fun, I think that earns me a star on my mommy badge.

I also picked up my wedding dress! Squeeeeeeeeal!

Then this afternoon a wonderful bridal shower was thrown for me by the amazing ladies from my church. I completely feel showered with love. I can't begin to explain what a beautiful and touching event it was and I didn't bring my camera so if you weren't there you will just have to take my word for it. I am blessed to have so many amazing women in my family, my future family, and my church family. I am overwhelmed, and for a change it's not by wedding details and stress but by the outpouring of love from women that are genuinely so happy for Devin and I they just want to celebrate!
34 days till this party is on!

Since I haven't had my camera out in a few I'll give you a baby fix from the newborn shoot I had the pleasure of doing a couple weekends ago. Her name is Evelyn.  Isn't she a doll? I'm getting an edit done here and there when I find free time.  Fortunately mom and dad are understanding about my crazy schedule right now.  I think they are too wrapped up in love with their precious new baby girl to care.  Thank God for that.

I hope the love that's overflowing in my heart tonight has oozed out through this post and found it's way into yours.
And if it didn't at least you can smile at that sweet baby face.

Just hold still for a moment

Words I say to my child frequently but today I say it to myself. I always feel the need to be doing something lately, too much on my plate to waste a single minute. But if you don't stop and hold still and just take a moment to catch your breath, refocus, and allow yourself to soak in the now it will be nothing more than time lost.

Friends and family keep saying to enjoy these moments before the wedding but all Devin and I want to do is fast forward to it. The daily countdown has even started. There's still a long to do list but all of the big stuff is done. I find myself just getting through the weeks focused on finishing the work day and hitting the gym and staying on my diet before I crash out for the night. Then spending my weekends trying to get things done for the wedding and make some summer memories with the kids. What pre-wedding moments am I supposed to be savoring exactly? I've enjoyed putting the details together for sure but most of that stuff is done. Everything that's left is the not-so-fun details that require a lot of free time to kill. I'm not complaining, please don't take it as that. I'm just trying to figure out what it is I'm supposed to be enjoying right now so I can make sure I don't miss out on it.

I really just want to be married already. ;)

Just saw this on pinterest: Don't count the days. Make the days count.

challenge accepted.

A pretty big day

I know Easter was a week ago but after the day was over I needed time to re-coup.

This Easter was kind of a big deal.

The kids at church were darling as usual. Singing on stage complete with hand motions. They all looked like little Easter outfit models straight out of the catalog while they hunted eggs.

















This year Devin offered to host the celebration at his place, which would bring our families together for the first time. I had no worries about how our families would blend. The first time I met his family I knew right off the bat they were much like my own and our families would mix well.

It was more the pressure of getting the place decorated, cleaned, obtain all the requirements to host a party of 20, and have tasty hot food on the table at once that had the both of us working hard for days. The day went off beautifully.























We celebrated all the wonder that is Easter as well as two birthdays and the joining of our two families. Words can't express how excited I am to be a part of Devin's family and see my own grow with the addition of so many amazing and beautiful people. We missed those that couldn't be there but there were smiles and hugs and loves and just a small taste of the celebration to come at the wedding.

A big day, a good day, and plans are in full motion for THE REAL BIG DAY!

TAG! You're it!

Cherish from Cheris Bryck Photography tagged me in a fun game for bloggers. Looks like too much fun not to play along!

The Rules

~You must post the rules

~Answer 11 questions the tagger posted for you

~Create 11 questions to ask the people you tag

~ Tag 11 people

~ Let them know you’ve tagged them.


My Questions:

1. If you had to pick, would you rather photograph truth or beauty?




Truth is beauty. Give me genuine smiles or tears over poses any day.
I do love fashion and concept photography but I get more joy out of capturing real moments.


2. Name one thing about you that will make us smile.




I just got engaged!!!!


3. Show me an image that takes your breath away.




Sally Mann. Genius.


4. Best childhood memory.


Image found here


A cross country trip with my folks in our trailer when I was a kid.
An experience I will always be thankful for.


5. Favorite time of the day and why.




The hour before sunset. Because I'm a photographer.


6. How many languages do you speak?

Uno.


7. Do you make your bed?




Nope, it's pretty much a constant pile of pillows and my down comforter in a wad.


8. Let’s go for a drink. What are we having?





First of all...how fun would that be!?! I would just love to sit with you, a bottle of red wine with two glasses on the table, and nothing but time to talk. I would adore that opportunity with just about every blogger I follow. They are all amazing photographers, fashion-istas, poets, and artists of all kinds that inspire me.


9. Show me a photo of where you would like to be right now.




Take me back to a beach in Kauai.


10. What does having a blog mean to you?


Having a special place to be creative, express my thoughts, share my life and my photography. Most of all it's the encouragement and inspiration I've found from fellow bloggers that keeps me coming back and investing the time it takes to keep a blog up. I appreciate so much everyone that reads and comments and the community I've found through this lil space o' mine.


11. Show me what happiness looks like to you.




Kids I adore playing on the beach at sunset with my camera in hand = Happy Me!

Now it's your turn! TAG! You're it!

Urban Muser

Constantly Evolving

Erika Ray Photography

Be Yourself...everyone else is taken

Soul Aperture

ZenMind Project

Laura Delegal

Magnetised by life

Maine Momma

Secret Tongues

Sarahenity NOW!

Your Questions!

1. You get to spend one day with the artist of your choice, who would it be?

2. What did you want to be when you grew up?

3. Share a song that blows your mind.

4. What do you wish you had more free time to do?

5. Do you talk to yourself....like out loud?

6. What inspires you?

7. If you could be Queen for a day and change one thing about the world what would it be?

8. What is your favorite outfit, the one that makes you feel smokin hot?!?

9. Have you ever eaten an entire carton of ice cream in one day?

10. What annoys you most?

11. Show me one of your favorite photographs.

Have fun getting to know these amazing women!

Nature Walk

We were spoiled this weekend with gorgeous weather
and the spoiling continued when Devin got off work early on Saturday.








He's been working Saturdays for about 6 months now.
Man I sure miss having a completely free day with him!









It's been over a year since we visited the wetlands reserve nearby
so I grabbed my camera and we spent the rest of the day exploring.






I'm so in love with these boys.












It is amazing what a photo walk with my two favorite boys does for my soul.











We sat down to rest a bit and E proceeded to win over yet another slice of my heart as he performed for us (and my camera.)
My theory: kids that grow up with the lens constantly in their faces eventually become the best models with out even trying.














My ankle was screaming by the end of the day and the mosquito's made a feast on us (well Devin and I, E doesn't seem to have their favorite flavor of blood)
but it was a small price to pay for feeling the sunshine, searching for frogs, watching the duck butt's, and having a butterfly drop in to say hello.