May is coming to a close and my, oh my, what a FULL month it has been! I know I'm not alone when I say next to December, May is the 2nd busiest month of the year. May holds the most birthdays all year; Mother's Day; spring cleaning; gardening, planting time; end-of-the-school-year events, graduations, etc. etc... I decided to highlight some of the many good things that happened this month with small vignettes for this blog post. I miss hanging out here and have so much I want to say, but finding time to say it all is the challenge. So now, I'm making time to show off some of the people I've had the privilege of photographing over the past month, with more of their unique stories to come in later posts. Plus, some personal goodies, too. Grab your coffee or tea, settle in and take a look-see.
**************************************************************************************************
I had an Inspiration Through Art session with this adorable family. Their 10 month-old baby boy, "C" has had many health challenges since birth. He'll need open heart surgery eventually. Here he is with his daddy and (step)mommy and future baby sister to come!! He was such a sweetheart throughout our session together; not crying once, and keeping a keen eye on all that was happening around him. Such a beautiful boy and family. "C" is another of my littlest heroes to admire! Thank you for that honor.
After my Inspiration session, I was off to a first birthday party! I spent a fun-filled, celebratory afternoon with this dear family of friends whom I have photographed multiple times (lucky me - that's right!). The party was great and little miss "L" was the star of the day!! She was so cute in the grass. She did not like the sensation of it, but she managed. I just love first birthday parties and "L's" was spectacular! And another outstanding cake was created by Kathleen's Konfections. If you haven't tasted her delicious baked confections yet, you haven't fully lived. Thanks again, my friends for a fabulous afternoon! You spoil me! :-) Just look at this beauty!!! Makes my heart melt.
I photographed a wedding in New Cumberland, PA - near Harrisburg - Memorial Day weekend. What a day it was! I am still reveling in all the wonderful moments that took place on Stephie & Jimmy's big day with many firsts for me to experience. The first time I witnessed the bride sing a love song to her groom; first time I witnessed the shoe game (fabulous, by the way! must check it out!); first time photographing a wedding while my oldest daughter, Chelsea worked as the couple's videographer! Wow! That's my girl! She's off to Nashville, TN for the summer to work an internship, so it was great to spend time with her at Stephie & Jimmy's wedding! We even managed to dance a couple of songs together! Thanks for inspiring me, Chels!! Fun times!! And Congratulations to the happy couple! You were super to work with - Thanks for everything, my new friends!!
And speaking of firsts, I photographed this loving family consisting of two daddies and two beautiful daughters. Confession time. I have never had the privilege of knowing (let alone photographing) a same-sex, married couple with children. I know. I know. Well, I do happen to live in rural Pennsylvania and, as far as population dynamics go, this isn't a common occurrence in our area - at least to my knowledge. This family set the bar high. They are my precedent for non-traditional marriage, and I can honestly say I am in awe of them and their life. Their girls adore their dads. What an amazing family!! Thank you, my new friends for your generosity and for granting me the honor of being your photographer. Your girls are radiant, healthy beauties so full of life and love.
On the home front, I've been rearranging. Plus, painting and preparing to move my office. Alanna is ready to have her pink bedroom back. She's tired of sharing a room with her little sister. So, it's time for momma to move back to my old office - a bit smaller (okay, a lot smaller), but it sure is bright and pretty!
We have been cleaning out, purging unused items. We managed to have a very successful yard sale this month, hosted by my parents (thanks, Mom & Dad!). We also donated to a worthy, charitable cause: The Rudden Family Foundation, Inc. who serve the homeless or at risk of becoming homeless with donated household furnishings. It felt great to unload and clean out. Like a weight lifted from our shoulders. Ahh! So good. So thankful.
The garden is planted and doing great. The lilacs were especially fragrant this year! And they bloomed just in time for Mother's Day! Just gorgeous! I have more flower shots to offer on my Flickr photo stream. Stop by and say "hi!" when you can. I always appreciate hearing from my family and friends. Click here to visit me > My 3 Girls Photography on Flickr <
Our baby isn't such a baby anymore. Emilia graduated from preschool and will attend kindergarten in the fall. Isn't she a beauty? All of her teachers remarked at her dancing abilities and free spirit. She won the classroom "Best Girl Artist" award. I know she has so much ability and is uber talented. I'm a proud mommy.
I wrapped up my first school year as a preschool, pre-K building substitute teacher. It was a joy! I loved getting to know all of the children at Robeson Lutheran Preschool. I look forward to helping out again in the future.
June promises to slow down a bit - just a bit, though. These May days were absolutely filled with much goodness - so many moments to treasure forever. Thank you, my friends, for stopping by. Here's to finding time to highlight all the gratitude and good in our lives. My windows are rolled down!!
Onward!
