Every girl needs to spend some time with a horse...

...or at least every girl I have ever known.
Here are some of my favorites from a riding lesson I got to watch today.
It was delightful!

because even on a farm, it's all about the fashion, am I right?

spunk. the word you are thinking of is spunk. she's got it.

oh. the. cuteness.

these girls...and the best part is, their outer beauty isn't even the best part about them.

hello there, summer.

quote of the week...

"Babies are such a nice way to start people."

---Don Herrold

In honor of my dear grand-niece, Elizabeth Rose, born on early Sunday. Welcome to the world, Ellie!

fall full of pictures...

It's been a busy fall for me as far as picture taking is concerned. (well...as far as EVERYTHING is concerned, but such is life) I thought I'd share some of my favorites.

some of my favorite people...

I had so much fun shooting this family...they are some of our dearest friends.

They kept cracking each other up, which made my job pretty easy!

kimi & matt...

I had a crazy busy and fun weekend away. Thank you for including me.

I wish both of you a life full of wonderful.

tori and chris.

I've known this sweet girl since she was a baby.

It was so fun to be asked to shoot her engagement photos for her.

Congratulations, Tori and Chris!

going, going, gone...

It's been so nice having all of these children under one roof for the last few weeks. I've found out that as a mom, a part of you never quite exhales until all of your kids are in the same place.

It went too fast...our girl is heading back to school. And even though it's absolutely where she should be, I'm not looking forward to holding my breath again.

congratulations...

...to Tyson, Jillian, and their loving families.

Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day.

Couldn't she just be 4 forever?

I wish I could always have this little girl twirling around the house, singing from The Phantom of the Opera. Always hear her come up with things from the backseat of the car like, "When I am a teenager I'd like a slug bug, Momma. Do they come in purple?" and always feel her little tug on my leg for some popcorn, some kisses, some help tying the bow on her dress. I asked her the other day if she'd humor me and not grow up. With her typical wisdom, she looked at me soberly and said, "I'm sorry Momma...but growing up is what little kids do."

Dang it.

More cuteness overload...

I got to go over today and take pictures of some more family. I am feeling SO lucky! I am pretty sure this one will make my sister cry with happiness. And, let's face it...most portrait photographers kinda like it when that happens.

I got to take pictures this weekend...

Is this one of the sweetest and cutest families or what? I had so much fun getting to try some new things with them. They are such wonderful people, inside and out. I hope I am just like them when I grow up.

One down, Six to go...

I didn't cry when her name was read. I didn't cry when I saw her face on the ju

mbo screen, singing

.

I was SO proud of myself. I thought, see? I am not going to be one of THOSE moms who gets all weepy and teary and says things like "my baby!"

Then, I looked through the viewfinder and took this picture.

Always thought of these two as my "starter kids". They were my first girl and first boy, then there is a large spread between them and my "little ones." And so I snapped the picture, and then laughed as I couldn't control the tears. I think I may have even said, "My babies."

I am SO not as cool as I thought I was.

The fun of teenagers...

Red shirt & trimming for daughter's Olive Oyl costume: $17
Faux pipe & sailor cap, and shirt created by Popeye's Mom: $11
The smiles on their faces as they head out to win first place
at the Halloween dance: Priceless

I love this face...

Even though sitting through a game makes me want to bite all my nails off; and every time he receives the snap I have to practice my Lamaze breathing; how can I not love the happy face he gets whenever it is game day??

oh, and get this: He chose the #9 because it's how many people are in our family.

Dang, I love this kid.

Two of my favorite faces...

This was Em's baptism day, posing with her proud papa. It was one of those days that you just tuck in the center of your heart to remind yourself what life is all about.

What a blessed life we live.

It was 82 degrees yesterday...

So, we went to the water spouts and had some fun. It was such a gorgeous day, and after a long winter and a very wet spring, it felt really good to come out and just PLAY.

As usual, little man just wanted to survey the action at a safe distance. But the other kids surprised me with their fearlessness! Even the little ones just ran right in and giggled and splashed. At first, Dad and I tried to tell them not to get "too wet". Yeah, right. We realized quickly that if they were going to have any fun, they had to just let loose and go for it.

So they did.

They had such a ball. And they got SOOOOO wet!! They'd run around in it til they couldn't take it anymore and then would lay on the ground in the sun to try and warm up. I am so ready for summer, now. Sitting outside, watching the kids play like this, reminded me of what is so terrific about this time of year.

Four of my wonderful leprechauns...

This is from St. Patrick's Day. The hats were from their Aunt, and you don't even want to know how much my oldest will scream when she sees I have posted this. I guess the hat isn't the fashion statement she cares to make!!!

Left behind...

It's so sad to be the littlest brother. All your big brothers and sisters take off outside and you are stuck. A prisoner in your own home.

[please forgive the edits and changes as I figure out how to post pictures!]