You may remember seeing these girls from a post last fall.  After that session was finished, Mindi mentioned how much she would love to get Marcus in for a few pictures before they had to go back to the state of Washington--where he is stationed.  That was already in my mental agenda, of course. ;)  We just had to wait and see when he would return and play out the midwest winter.  We knew we would only have a few days to make it happen before they had to leave and let's just say it was meant to be. ;) 

After being gone for 7 months Marcus is home...and what a sweet reunion it was!  I loved listening to him talk with the girls and I loved watching the girls interact with him.  I wanted to bottle up all of the emotion shared during that time and keep it forever.  Sometimes it takes someone being gone to realize how much more you appreciate them.  Of course, I don't believe that families should be separated for periods of time, but I do hold it as a gentle reminder that life is precious.  Life is a gift.  Life is meant to be shared with those you love everyday.  We often fail at this because the craziness of life gets in the way.  

Missing you all already...so glad that you are a family of 4 again (even if you have to be miles and miles away)...love you all.

Mindi loved this area from their session last fall...had to duplicate these shots with Marcus in them.  ;)

This series makes my heart ache...in a good way!  There was so much love and emotion being shared...

I'm pretty sure this is the point where Marcus asked Ava..."Can I take these pictures and hang them up in the plane?"

Another one I love...true joy, true happiness!  Daddy is home!

It's obvious that Ellie and Ava missed their dad, but I'm pretty sure these two missed each other as well.  ;)

Love the lighting and the subjects and the scenery in the next three...ok...I guess I should have said-I love the next 3.  ;)  

Loved this moment...Ellie said, "Do the wedding kiss!  Do the wedding kiss!"

So, they did and the girls loved it...welcome home Marcus!  We all appreciate what you do and are equally happy to have you home!

Gabe joined us for this quick session...he misses his girls. ;)

There is nothing sweeter than photographing a new baby.  They change daily, it seems, and before you know it they are 2 years old, then 5.  Obviously, I'm comparing this to my two little ones, but it is so true.  I know my documenting has changed in a way where I have placed myself into these pictures.  These moments that have brought so much joy in our lives are now moments that I want to preserve for our clients.  I still look at the images we took of Gabe and Claire and my heart longs for those moments of when they were brand new.  Tonight, as I was putting Gabe to bed, I told him about how we loved to snuggle with him when he was a baby and how he loved to be close to us.  His sweet face lit up in the realization that our love for him goes much deeper than the present, but has been there since before he was born.

I know that these moments will be cherished by Parker's family for many years to come.  When she is older they will look back at these and remember the sweetness that made their family complete.  Congratulations to our dear friends...we love you guys...  

Such beautiful features...

The hats in these next two images were made by Morgan at Twysted Yarn.  You have to check them out...adorable!

He wasn't the only one smiling in this photo...  ;)

Such a proud, big brother...

So precious...

Daddy's precious girl...

Beautiful Mommy...

A family of four...perfect!

Sweet, little Allie came in for her 18 month session a few weeks back and, my goodnes, she is a cutie!  She had many expressions to share and was such a delight to photograph.  It is so much fun to watch little ones grow over time.  I have had the opportunity to capture her and her older siblings ever since they were teeny tiny.  It is such an honor to be able to capture a family as it grows...such sweet memories.  

Look at those little, chubby legs...I love them!

She is such a doll...

We are anxious for spring here in the midwest.  We were hoping that dressing for it might bring on change...not there yet.  ;)

And...finally.  I know I teased you with a picture a while back...so sorry.  ;)  This has to be one of my favorite sessions...I am so glad they wanted snow to be a part of their session.  I wasn't exactly sure how it was going to go since it was bitter, bitter outside, but Nate and Amber rolled with it.  We all had hand warmers to keep the numbness from getting the best of us and the light was absolutely perfect.

As for Nate and Amber...we are so happy for them.  We have known Nate for quite some time and knew that he would find the perfect girl at the perfect time.  And I think he did just that.  Congratulations you two...we couldn't be happier! Love to you both!

The light was kinda doing its own thing and I loved it!

You two are adorable!!!

This is one of my favorites...love it!

I promise they were sitting on something other than snow.

I could've shot in this light all day...

Wow...wow...wow...

Love the candidness of this one...

Another favorite...

How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.     -Annie Dillard

I spent most of my week in Denver for the Living the Dream workshop.  I debated attending this workshop for many reasons, but when it came down to it I knew I needed to go.  Over the past year I have been somewhat convicted with the way our work schedules have been. Running your own business requires a lot of time and energy.  I know there are ways to keep it from intertwining every area of your life...we just haven't mastered it. ;)  For example, I tend to be one of those who thinks, "If I just get this done, then I can relax."  Yet, my checklist never ends thus my wheels are always turning and I find myself unable to step away from my computer.  I knew the content of the workshop along with some reflective time for me would be a positive bonus to the coming year...positives for the business and our family.

Well, I came home enlightened and knew that going was a good decision.  The thoughts and ideas that will be implemented will  enable things to run even more smoothly and as a result give us more time.  In addition to that, I walked away with new friends that have already found a special place in my heart...they alone brought encouragement and inspiration that will remain close to my heart for a long time to come.

As for these pictures, every time I look at them it reminds me that our family relationships are of utmost importance.  I realized that these people will not be in my life forever and that the time I "make" for them now will be memories that I will cherish long after they are gone.  The same holds true for Jeremy's grandma and others who we cherish and love.  The quote mentioned above: "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives," sums up my thoughts in this post.  While I can't imagine doing anything else other than photography, I have come to realize that I also don't want to have all of my memories of life found with me sitting in front of the computer.  ;)  I want to live life with those I love without any regret...realizing that it may not be every day, but it will be with a conscious effort that when the work day is done...it's done.  

I have found that taking time for me and my family will enable benefits of being a better mom, wife, friend, daughter and photographer.  I know we are all busy and my hope is that you will also find that time to be with the ones you love...and maybe do something just for yourself.