I've lived in California for almost six years.  Time is flying by!  Every now and then in our ward, someone from my home state of Utah moves out here, and I love it!!!  There is just something about someone who knows the same places you know, same schools, culture, ect....you feel an instant connection with them.  Enter Heidi here.  She moved in a few years back and we've been good friends since then.  She is hilarious, and always so fun to be around.  She is expecting her third baby.  You met her gorgeous little red head here.  There is another little girl in that belly, and we're all anxiously awaiting to meet her and have a look at her hair color!

One to watch

I've known Matthew for the last 5 years.  I think my favorite thing about him is how nice he is to my little five year old Sean.  There is not a Sunday that goes by that if their paths cross, Matthew doesn't say hi to him, and give him a fist bump!  Sean loves it--and has grown to look up to these super cool boys in our ward.  

Matthew is beyond smart and talented, and it was so fun to take his pictures.  He's one of those boys that you just know is going to do well in life. 

His mom who is one of my most favorite, funny friends I've had came along with us.  It was a blast!

Mother's Day

Here are the three reasons I'm a mother.  I was going to write a "mushy" post about the joys of being a mother...but as I'm typing this...child #2 and I are having a disagreement, and he is mad at me.  :)  Being a mom is hard.  Physically, and emotionally, ....but in the eternal picture of things, it is the most important thing I can do in this life.  I have to remind myself of that often.  Many times I feel like I want to be pursuing other interests of mine...dance, piano, photography, teaching....but at the end of the day, I know that the few short years I have with them while they are this little is priceless.  I will have many, many years to myself where I can pursue other interests.  But for now, I'm enjoying every second with them.  Even when we're "arguing".
Happy Mother's Day to all my amazing mom friends.  Especially to my mom, and mom-in-law, I'm a lucky girl.

Old Friends

Old friends, make the best friends. From 2003-2005 we lived in Boston. My husband was going to school back there. The move was kind of intimidating, but we were excited for this new adventure together. Our one and only baby was Sarah, and she was about 6 months old. We go to church the first Sunday there and sit in the back row. We were greeted by a very bubbly and friendly Primary President, (shout out to Lisa P.) and others soon followed. However, this day will always be memorable because of Ammon. He walks in introduces himself to us, then goes up to the stand and plays prelude music on the piano. After that he goes on to conduct the meeting..he is a 23 year old member of the Bishopric! After sacrament meeting we're sitting in Sunday school, and he comes in and teaches the class. Amazing. After the class we went and talked to him again, met his sweet wife Kara, and they invited us over to dinner that day!!! Needless to say, we were impressed with these guys from day one!
We love our Boston days. We will always look back on that time so fondly. We loved the people we met there--most of us were students, or just starting out in the work force, and very far away from our families.
Kara's parents live close to where we are now, so every couple of years or so when they come home to visit, they are sweet enough to make time for us. I love being around old friends....they make me feel younger. :)

snow, Snow, SNOW!

Its been a couple of years since I've been home to Utah in the Winter. I've missed the snow....a little bit. :) It is really fun to see my kids experience it.
While we were there I snapped a few of this cutie guy and his parents. He was such a trooper outside. He even face planted once off the sled into the snow, but after a little love from his mama, carried on just fine. :)

Beautiful Families

The past month I have been busy with lots of families. It has been a fun challenge. It has made me practice some head swapping techniques. :)
Here are some of my favorites. A big thanks to my mom who was here for a week--she watched my kiddos for me so I could do the sessions.
And a big thank you to these families! They were all great--and I know how hard and stressful it can be to get everyone together, dressed and in a good mood for pictures.

Beautiful Baby Girl

This little beauty is the daughter of a friend of mine from my kids school. She has tons of dark hair--which is really fun, because her siblings are blondies. She was so good for the photo shoot. She was actually in a deep sleep when I started working with her, but as mom and I got yackin' away....she started to wake up more. Lesson learned....talk soft. :)
Oh I love newborns!! They are so tiny and precious--I'd take a newborn anyday!