Seven Years Later

  Wow….. so here we are, my first post in seven years. I’ve contemplated coming back to this space from time to time but it was more so recently that I really felt called back here. A few weeks ago my great Uncle passed away, he was such a wonderful man. Some time ago I wrote a blog post about him, where I basically interviewed him and shared his thoughts surrounding photography which was his art form. I came back to this blog during his last few days to find that post about my Uncle Marvin to share with my family. Seeing his post and looking through all my old memories made me feel terribly nostalgic. I really missed this space and missed having a creative outlet in my life. I think I’m going to try to give this a go again and see where it leads me.

   So much has happened and changed in the last seven years, within my own family, within myself and within the world. Some major updates, Mike and I added two more children to our family. Our once little family of three isn’t so little anymore. We have three beautiful girls, and believe me I still can’t believe I have three daughters either, like what are the odds! (haha) Chloe who’s 11 now, she was my whole reason behind starting this blog, then there is Autumn who is 4, and Everly who is 19 months. They are all so different yet very much sisters. Watching their sisterly bond grow has just been so sweet and rewarding.

   Another major life update, when I started this blog we lived in Washington, then we moved back to Illinois where most of my family lives and now for the past year we have been living in North Carolina to be near some of Mikes family. It’s really beautiful here, the weather and constant sunshine have been so good for my soul. I miss my family though, especially my Mom. We talk everyday but it’s not the same, I do feel like I’m missing out by not being there. In January she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. That’s truly been one of the hardest things my family and I have been dealing with. I feel lost at times knowing I’m several states away and that I’m not there with her for everyday life. Amazingly though we’ve been able to see her several times since we moved, and by plane we’re only two hours away, I’m holding on tight to that little bit of positivity.

   There is so much more I could say but I’m going to save it for future posts. For now I’m going to leave you with a few of my favorite pictures. 

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

So tired after a long day (without a nap) at school! 
Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Chloe, so warm and cozy, tucked in under her favorite blankets all ready for bed.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Chloe, out trick or treating on Halloween, dressed up as her favorite Disney character, Queen Elsa from Frozen, (though you cant really tell in this photo.)

Joining in Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

At the Chicago Botanic Garden this past weekend, enjoying one of the most beautiful Autumn days I've ever seen!

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Pony rides at the pumpkin patch, a favorite Autumn tradition for our family.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "
Chloe, enjoying a fun evening playing and reading books with her GG. Melts my heart to watch these two together. The love my Grandma has for Chloe is truly beautiful. I can see it in the way her eyes light up whenever she's with Chloe how much she genuinely just enjoys the company of my sweet little girl. I am so grateful to have caught this precious moment in time, I will treasure it always.
Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Chloe, playing at Great Grandma's house as we celebrate Rosh Hashanah together as a family. This portrait of Chloe is one of my favorites from this year!

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "
Chloe, all giggles and smiles with her best friend Juliet!
Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Chloe and Juliet, oh these two are just the sweetest together! My little girls first official best friend!

Joining with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014."

Chloe, oh those beautiful eyes.....

Joining in with Jodi.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013. "

Chloe, her first time playing in the snow this winter. Always such a magical experience to witness and be a part of!

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013. "

Chloe, loves to eat her apples sliced and sprinkled with cinnamon, just like her Mommy does too.

Portraits that inspired me from week 49, Che and Fidel, Rebucado Acido, Little Life, and Little Red Vikings .

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project. 

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013. "

Chloe, playing in one of her beloved spots in our home, the front door.

Portraits that inspired me from week 48, Wild Morning, the beloved, alight, and Megan Ambrose.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013. "

Chloe, enjoying a bit of sunshine and the cool Autumn air brush against her skin. 

Portraits that inspired me from week 47, Lamb loves Fox, Being Mumma, From Lebo With Love, and this brown wren.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013. "

Chloe, my precious little Tinkerbell! I think Halloween will forever live on in her heart and in this house.

Portraits that inspired me from week 46, one claire day, fields of sage, Yellow Finch, Alight, and Diapers and Skinny Jeans.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

Seasons | Autumn

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013. " Chloe, this week she has started saying to her Daddy and I " I love you more ". Oh it just melts this mama's heart to hear her say those sweet little words! Portraits that inspired me from week 45, Che and Fidel, One Claire Day, Lamb Loves Fox, boy eats kasha, and Abigail and the Future. Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013. "

Chloe, enjoying an afternoon playing in the beautiful autumn leaves. Always a favorite activity of mine as a child and now I get to experience these simple joys with my own daughter!

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013. "

Chloe, I think she may love Autumn just as much as I do. While at the park a few days ago she picked up this beautiful leaf off of the ground and carried it with her, holding it tightly in her little hands as she played.

Portraits that inspired me from week 43, Little Red Vikings, megpie, Oyster and Pearl, and Monkey and Squirrel.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.