There's like so many Traditions!

Every spring since my kids were just little, little, little, they've been taking a photo with Grandma Penny. It's like a tradition now. It's so fun to see how much the kids have grown and changed. Especially when they're just babies. They tend to change so much from year to year those first few. This year I tried to change the photos up a bit. I had some ideas, and my Dad had some too. These photo shoots always end up being some of my favorite. There are some super fun ones this year.

Since it was just Mother's Day, I have to give a shout out to my Mom. I love her. She is a constant in my life which is such a comfort. She's taught me some sewing skills, cooking skills, gardening skills, and working out skills. She's awesome and I still hope to be like her when I grow up!!








Look at Grandma Penny get some air!!!



Piggies in the Grass are my Fav.

Look A Tractor!!

My children are so patient with me, most of the time. I love to take photos, especially when my children are the main subjects. I love composing them, and placing them in the just right position. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. Which is such a parallel to being a mother every day. Sometimes my mothering skills work. Sometimes all my hard work just doesn't seem to cause the right effect. Unlike a camera, there is no manual on how to better my mothering skills.

I've been a Mother now for 13.5 years. A small number compared to some. I have learned a few things in these few short years. Don't sweat the small stuff, take a chill pill, and love, love, love, love until it's all better. I have to be honest, sometimes it's hard to love. But love seems to heal everything. Along the way I've had to learn to love myself as an imperfect mother, love imperfect children, and an imperfect husband. I am still learning to do this. But it's worth the effort. Even when it seems that I have more hard days then easy ones.

It's especially worth it when a day is done, and all my hard work has made for a perfectly composed day. Ending in few tears, less arguing, and a please and thank you thrown in for good measure.

Just like I love taking photos, I love being a mother. Someday I will be able to stand back and look at all my wonderfully composed children, and the masterpieces that they truly are.







Thank You Jaren, Hannah, Isabel, Annika, Beckham and Grace for making me a Mom.