Learning how to play guitar is on my life list. Even so I swear when I added this ukulele to Kendall’s wish list that I had no intention of being one of those parents who wants to live out their dreams through their children. Really. I mean it. I’m not going to do that. I will however be a little (just a little) extra supportive if playing guitar happens to be something she wants to do. For that you can not blame me.

In other news … this weekend is going to be amazing — I’ll be photographing a sure-to-be lovely 10 day old baby girl. Swoon!

1. Punch Collage by Ali Edwards – you could do this with any punch, but I especially enjoy the hearts.

2. DIY Valentine’s Day Brownie Bags by Twig & Thistle – also check out the Valentine’s Day Goodie Bags.

3. “love” cards by Paislee Press – I adore the simplicity of these.

4. Paper Heart Garland by How About Orange – perfect for near a window.

5. Valentine Garland by Whisker Graphics – I want to put these all over my house all year round.

6. Heart Garland by Stephmodo – the perfect use for last year’s pretty calendar.

Completely unrelated to Valentine’s Day, Kendall swoons everytime she sees a heart. It is the sweetest thing. We’ll be trying a kid friendly version of one of these crafts in the next few days in honor of the uncoming holiday and so I can hear a few of her “he, he” giggles to take away the glum of being snowed in.

PIctures are not mine. Photos copyright their respective creators (click-through the images for more information).

Love doesn’t make the world go round.
Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.
—Franklin P. Jones—

When I was a kid the first place I’d go every morning was mom & dad’s bed. First thing. And when I got sick, I’d spend the entire day there. Dad would bring me soup. I’d watch cartoons. I would feel better just being there. I’m not the only one, am I?

So it makes sense that the first stop for almost any at home family portrait session is mom & dad’s room. Nothing deserves to be captured like the fun that takes place and by some miracle the light is always right!

Ok bear with me. Look past the teen friendly presentation and envision your children or family pictures in these unique display ideas.

These PhotoBox Frames are great for displaying multiple pictures as well as easily changing them out anytime the mood strikes you and they have a nice clean look that would work great in a variety of locations — not just a teenagers space!

The Create Your Own Wall Mural canvases would be great in a play room or other fun space. I love that they come with grommets in place, ready to hang! And the Lightup Photo Boxes? Seriously just stop it. A backlit photo in one of these could be really amazing.

images courtesy of pbteen.com

It might just be because it’s the end of a long day, but I cried seconds into this video. Then watched it a few more times until my tears stopped and I felt a little less lonely, a lot more connected and really proud to be a mom. I hope it does the same for you.

Video by the lovely Katherine Center; essay on raising a family on her blog.

A new website and look has been a long time coming. And, here it is!

I’m still tweaking things here and there so links may be disconnected and blog posts imported from the old blog may be in need of some adjustments — I’m working on it.

I still haven’t placed it, but something about this precious little girl reminded me so much of my baby girl. So much so I got a little tickle in my stomach.

Pretty sure the only reason I survive Winter each year is because every so often there is a chance to photograph a covering of ice.