Oreo

It's been a while, so I thought I'd give you an update. I'm doing much better this week. I have to say thank you to all of my amazing friends & family, though. Your words buoyed me up & gave me strength. I am so grateful for each of you. So, thank you!

Nothing new to report, other than Daddy introduced Hollie to Mr. Oreo this week. As you can see, the Oreo isn't just milk's favorite cookie. It's Hollie's, too.

You are the music in me...

Is "1" too young to be a High School Musical fan? Apparently not because Hollie LOVES it! It's the only movie she will watch for more than half a second. Whenever the songs come on, she drops everything she's doing to shake her groove thing. It's hilarious! Anyway, she was being really ornery today, so I put HSM2 on for her. She watched for a few minutes then curled up right by the tv & fell asleep. Oh, I just love her! Everything about her!

Finding joy

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, “Inadequate” is defined as “Not adequate to fulfill a need or meet a requirement; insufficient.” Am I the only one who feels this way? – who feels “insufficient” at times?

As of late, I have been frequently letting myself get sucked into a giant inadequacy spiral. I compare myself to every other photographer on the web, and in the end I never want to pick up my camera again. I don’t even know what I expect of myself, all I know is that I’m not measuring up. I have several newborn sessions coming up (which are not easy to practice for with a one year old, by the way :o) and I feel so insufficient. People have often told me that they admire my confidence, and I always wonder what they mean. I know who I am and I have the drive to pursue my dreams, but more days that I care to admit, I just feel guilty & frustrated. The guilt because I feel like I should be better, and the frustration because I’m honestly trying. This used to bring me so much joy, but I just can’t seem to find it anymore. So, this was my attempt to find joy; to take pictures simply because I love it. Not comparing myself to anyone else. Just being me, taking pictures of the light of my life. This is how I see her through my lens. No flower, no outfit. Just her. And me. This is us. For more of her, go here.

Santa

Ok, ok, Cassie. As she so kindly pointed out, it has been a while since I have posted (love you, Cass!). ;o) I have other stuff, but it's a little personal & I'm not quite ready to post it yet. So, you get more Christmas stuff that I didn't get a chance to put up before.

Santa pictures at the mall is a total tradition in my family. Until my siblings & I had children, we (the adults) would have to be in the pictures. It's very nice to pass the torch on to the wee little ones. Love the randomness in the group shot. Every kid is looking at something different. Love it!

White Christmas

This had to have been my favorite Christmas morning ever. Hollie was so much fun. I could watch her & her facial expressions all day. After her birthday, she had the whole present drill down. She loved ripping the wrapping paper. This first shot is one of my favorites. She's looking through the bars at her presents. Love her innocence.


Does anyone else think it's kind of funny that Tickle Me Elmo is almost as big as Hollie?

Elder Jesse

I must admit one of my favorite parts of this Christmas was talking to Lil' Jesse on the phone. We all went over to my parents in the afternoon & had to share a short 40 minutes with him. It seems like he's been gone forever, and yet I can't believe he'll be home in 11 months. After we finally had to hang up the phone, we exchanged gifts & just enjoyed each other's company. It was one of the most relaxing Christmas' I've had. We loved every minute.

Twas the night before Christmas

We had 2 parties on Christmas Eve. Santa came to the first one at Sam's parents house. Hollie was very intrigued by the bearded man. Kelden & Annie were terrified, however. He is kinda weird lookin'.


Then, we had goofies with my Mom's side of the family. It's my favorite Christmas tradition. This year, we had the kids act out the nativity. Well, more like sit & look cute in their costumes.


Every year my Mom gives us all Christmas jammies. I love how cute all the kids look in their matching jams.

Tutu.

So in love with this tutu. So. In. Love.