Category Archives: Family Life

Five Years ago….

June 15, 2015 Filed in: Family Life, Photography

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Five years ago tonight. Living in Nashville, Tennessee. I was leaving a photoshoot when Heaven weighed heavy on my heart like never before. As I pulled into a Hobby Lobby parking lot….the only words that I remember hearing on the other end of the phone was “Honey, he’s gone.” My dad. The first man I ever loved. The one who loved me unconditionally and encouraged me endlessly. Gone. Just like that.

June 15, 2010 marked my life. Rocked me to the core. Radically shifted my priorities in life.

In the last 5 years, I’ve lost both parents, a sister and had a miscarriage [this would have been baby month for us]. Through all this heart wrenching pain and grief, I see the world through a clearer lens now. Heaven truly is our homeland. I see brokenness in people and I feel it deeply, but I also see the amazing grace and sweet tenderness of my Heavenly Father. The One who continues to sustain me. My rampart.

Of course the pain of this world sucks. Big time. I hate it. It’s all so sad. These feelings are always on the table. I’ve never questioned God about these things [never felt the need to]….but angry in general that such events have even happened in such a short amount of time. A break would be nice- if I could have it my way.

My intent is to never put a happy face on something so sad, but I’m extremely careful of the thoughts I allow in my mind and the words that I choose to speak.

Pain is a microphone…..and it’s been one to my own heart and soul. I’ve been preaching to myself more in these last 5 years than ever before.

The rain falls on the Godly and the ungodly. God comes closer; He’s near to the brokenhearted. God gives us unique opportunities to shine through our pain. I must focus on what God wants to do through my life.

Thank you to those who have walked near me in my suffering and heartache. Your prayers, handwritten notes, intentional coffee dates and words of encouragement have brought such joy to my spirit. 

Tonight, I’m remembering my dad. The way he loved and deeply cared for people. He championed the underdogs. He met people’s needs, out of his own lack. He was the church in the wild. His life wasn’t about him or what he could gain. I miss the dad hugs, text messages and just having him around as I go through such seasons in life.

Thankful for this truth…..that I will have more of a future with him than what we’ve had in the past. Heaven is our Home.

California Trip // Santa Barbara

April 16, 2015 Filed in: Collaboration, Family Life, Our Little Man, Photography

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We spent last week in sunny Southern California…..just the three of us.

This was Reed and I’s 10 year anniversary trip, but also a special week of laid back family time [& some friend time here and there, which is always refreshing to the soul].

Our initial trip was to be in Newport Beach for the week, but while I was photographing the O2 Experience tour this past Fall….we spent a few days in Santa Barbara, and needless to say…..I immediately called Reed and said that we must spend a few days of our trip there. We made it happen…..and it was so worth it!

As we were planning for our Santa Barbara accommodations…..Reed suggested the Four Seasons. I’ll be honest, I was hesitant of the idea….only because I was nervous about having a toddler in tow at such a nice hotel resort! As I started to dig around their website…..it was loud and clear that families and kids were welcomed. They even have a complimentary Kids For All Seasons program, professionally organized with activities that give kids their own unique resort experience. Pretty awesome!

When I reached out to the Four Seasons, a unique opportunity came about to collaborate with them. I tell you, our experience at this resort was like none other. They know customer service…..and not as highly paid robots, but they genuinely care about and serve people well. I certainly left inspired in so many ways. From the handwritten welcome / anniversary note left on our bed upon arrival….to the little details that were put together in the crib for Ezra….everything was carefully thought of and executed well. Above and beyond.

There are just a handful of cottages at the Four Seasons, and we got to stay in one of them! AMAZING, right?!? Our cottage was spectacular. The breakfast we had overlooking the beach was so peaceful, especially as Ezra was filling up on the [kids eat free] buffet! The resort grounds were breathtaking….to see such beautiful greenery and flowers everywhere I looked was incredible. Our flower season here in Montana is so short…so it’s in the little things like this that made walking around the resort so much fun.

We spent one full day split between Butterfly Beach and the Resort Jungle Pool. Ezra loved the sand, sunshine and all the water! A dear friend [who just so happens to make the very best cupcakes in the world- who has a little shop in the Santa Barbara Public Market] met up with us as well, so that was so much fun….to catch up face to face and watch our kiddos play together.

Of course a trip to Santa Barbara wouldn’t be complete without an authentic Mexican meal….and so we enjoyed dinner at Los Agaves. Oh my goodness….no words….so good!

Can you tell we had the best time ever in SB?!? We sure did. We only stayed for two nights, but it was the perfect start to our vacation [after this we headed to Newport Beach for the remainder of our trip].

Our must-eat/drink list for Santa Barbara: Bella Vista at Four Seasons [fabulous breakfast & buffet!], Enjoy Cupcakes, The French Press & Handlebar Coffee Roasters [tied for best coffee], Los Agaves & Los Arroyos [our absolute favorite Mexican food spots] and Jeannine’s Bakery (for breakfast, lunch &/or dessert)

Between all the splish splashing pool fun, sandy beach hangs…..and just being together as a family….this trip was a special one. So much fun sharing our trip with you! And now…..our vacation in photos!

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Lets Chop Some Wood

March 7, 2015 Filed in: Family Life, Our Little Man, Photography

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My heart melts when I see Ezra helping Reed around the house. Ezra is such a little helper..and a really good one! He loves being outside. He loves hanging out with daddy. He loves to give me the run down of all the little details to the projects he helps out with.

Last week, while the sun was out and not much snow left on the ground, the boys chopped a lot of wood together. Ezra loved pointing out the pieces that daddy should chop next. He also recruited the help of “Mr. Moose” and never let him out of his hands.

Of course Ezra wanted to wear his “Wells”… aka SOREL boots. How cute are these on him?!? Such a cutie little Montana boy he is.

I love my boys with all my heart…..it’s so much fun to watch them work on little projects together. Reed is such a great dad.

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Christmas Eve

January 7, 2015 Filed in: Family Life, Motherhood, Our Little Man

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I’ll never get over a white Christmas. It’s my favorite. Ever.

Our tradition is to spend Christmas Eve with Reeds parents and Christmas Day at our house….our tribe of three.

This year was super fun….at one point we had both of Reeds sisters in town, along with their husbands, whom I love with all my heart. Ezra loves his aunties and uncles oh so much. Its always a good time.

Ezra was all about sitting like a big boy, which meant not in his booster seat. He also ate all the big people food like goat cheese, brie and crackers! At one point, we all looked over and he had an entire block of cheese in his hands and mouth! Silly boy. And the huckleberry pie…was an obvious favorite.

We spent many nights over at the in-laws house, mainly because we had pretty intense card games going on late night…so it was just easier to put Ezra to bed and continue our game playing.

This was my first year in a long while that I was not singing for any Christmas services. Although it was bitter-sweet, I enjoyed all the family time that I had this year. It was nice to be around…help in the kitchen….and just be with family.

Presents weren’t flowing like years past, which is a good thing [I mean, a few trains will keep our little man busy for days!]. Its important to Reed and I to keep the main thing- the main thing. We want to point Ezra to Jesus and a big part of that is keeping Christmas focused on the birth of our Savior.

It was a really great Christmas season….this year was really sweet to experience the holidays through Ezras eyes. He loved the Christmas tree and lights- and asked to plug them in every morning. He was caught red handed….trying to open a present a few days before Christmas. Too funny.

We had a lot of family time….and Great-Gramdma even wrote the family a great poem [which inspired a poem writing/reading for next year!].

So blessed to be walking out motherhood….these days are so sweet.

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Our Christmas Eve best

January 6, 2015 Filed in: Family Life, Our Little Man

Since we were all dressed in our Christmas Eve best….why not go out on to the gravel road and take a bunch of photos?! Thats exactly what we did, before we lost the day light. So glad we did.

We love aunt Haley and uncle Ty so much!

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