Archive for the 'Photography' Category

I love steel cut oats…so chewy and comforting. I like to top it with walnuts, almond butter, almond milk, bananas, and cinnamon. Paired with a steaming mate latte, and it’s the perfect start to any day

As much as I try to shield my girls from the materialistic pull of the Christmas season…the frenzied desire surrounds them on all sides. On TV, in stores…we almost just need to turn it all off and not leave the house to avoid it!

We desire for JESUS to be our main focus, as well as giving to others. This year I really want to get into some new holiday traditions and stick with them for years to come.

I’d love to hear some of the ways you combat the WANT of this season.

How do you find meaning amidst the chaos?

Two little girls. Sisters forever.

This morning my mom and I enjoyed some candy cane green tea together. There is just something about holding that warmth in my hands…the steam rising up to meet me…it all makes me very happy. Sharing that time with someone you love makes it even sweeter!

And now, as I sit here writing…I have the same cup filled with honey chamomile tea. The house is quiet, the Christmas tree is glowing, and the fire is lit. Pure bliss. I look forward to this simple pleasure every day.

Today, we stopped to see our family in Minneapolis and had a smashing time…Thai food, coffee, and lots of laughter. This one of my sister with Lucy was too sweet to pass up.

Today, I came around the corner and found Lucy and Bentley having a moment.

We were invited to a neighborhood baking party with Grandma! We had a lovely time unwrapping, rolling, squishing, and eating ‘Tis the season!

She wants to be just like her big sister…but sometimes she gets a little over zealous. Click here to to see the rest of the story

Last summer while we were in Minnesota, I was supposed to connect with the friend of a friend for a photo session…but the timing didn’t work out and we actually never met in person. Fast forward to this week…standing in the line at Starbucks. This lovely lady in front of me turns and says “I recognize you from your blog!” It was her…Sonya!

We chatted briefly about how we should get our six-year-olds together for a play date someday. But I don’t like “someday”… I’m more of a “let’s do it!” kind of girl. So we put it on the calendar right then and BAM! We had new friends!

We arrived at their home this morning and it was so warm and inviting. There was a fire roaring in the fireplace and hot water boiling for tea on the stove. From the moment we walked in, Bella and Edie disappeared into their own little world of forests, butterflies, and watercolors. Little kindred spirits.

Sonya is a delightful mama who is studying to be a midwife…and we have much in common. I knew I liked her when she offered me the slippers off her feet to wear while I was there. I’m sure we will stay in touch…it’s so fun to have another mama friend in Brainerd.

Lesson for the day: Don’t wait for someday! Reach out and make connections. You won’t regret it!

*see more photos from our fun day here.

I woke up this morning to a winter wonderland…we got several more inches of snow on top of the 4-5 already on the ground. I stepped out onto the porch and listened to the crunch beneath my boots. I started to take photos of the snowfall. The piles of white fluff on the railing. But then I stepped back and saw the artwork left on the windows. And the little flake flying away…

Sometimes we have to focus our eyes differently to really see. A change in perspective is a good thing.

*click on the photo to make it bigger…this one in particular has fun detail

All DPP photos here.
“Extras” that I’ve taken are here.