If I could only always remember

I've been busy with work. So busy that my weekends are filled with shoots, nap times is filled with downloads and previews and after my family has gone to bed, I stay up late into the night making edits on hundreds of images taken of the same, small, beautiful child.

It's rare that a child between the ages of 1 to about the age of 7 actually sit still long enough for someone to realize just how incredibly breathtaking they are. Those eyes... that hair... her skin... his laugh... I feel like I miss seeing my kids in this light because they are always either on my hip or at my side.

The other day I sat Taylor in front of a shape sorting toy she often plays with. I decided to sit with her because I had a moment to breath and why not pass that moment with her. Not even looking up for my approval she places each of the five shapes into their corresponding spots, in about 5 seconds without making a single mistake... I shook my head in disbelief and she walked away.

She thinks she's flying when she's on her trampoline and prefers to only jump on it now while she is wearing her fairy wings. Chris calls her our angel with butterfly wings.

If I could only always remember these things, the way they move when they do them, her smell when she wakes from her nap.

how she moves when she dances...

she sings every note even though she can't say the words...

he doesn't mind stepping aside because he's so proud of his little sister, "She's so beautiful mommy."

"Austin what's Taylor up to in there?" "Oh, she's just being cute..." sigh...

he bites his nails when he's scared...

he's on his 6th night tonight, sleeping alone, even though I know he's so scared, even though I've told him he has the best guardian angel and because I know he just doesn't quite understand and because I know he is so smart and his imagination is so active, so brilliant.

she wants me to hold her when daddy comes home from work, even before he walks through the door so she can see him face to face and then, and only she locks gazes with him will she allow him to hold her.

I am so proud of my little ones. They make me the luckiest person alive. I do my best to capture these moments through images, but sometimes I just need to spend it with them and so close to them that not even a camera can come between us.

Dentists, perfume and my heros

I am posting b/c I have to. because I know that three weeks is far too long to wait until I update my blog. I have so many adorable pictures of the kids, but no time to edit as my business is, well, busy.

We did get through Taylor's first (and hopefully only) ear infection of the season. Two ear drums filled with fluid, plus her gums looked like she just boxed a round with Mike Tyson... poor thing has black and blue and pain all over her little head from teething... we have a follow up tomorrow and I am certainly going to inquire about this because I have never seen anything like it. They'll probably look at me like I am crazy and say (once again) "Oh, she's just teething :)" I enjoy being crazy but really can't stand it when people treat me as such.

So I'm working on Christmas shopping already, because my life really isn't busy enough... I am about 65% finished and am content with the fact that I really am not wanting for anything for myself. I have it all people. No really, lucky me. If you want to give me something, give me a date night with my husband. This doesn't make Chris all that happy though, he needs inspiration. I think he'll figure it out.

Well there is one thing. I'd really like a bottle of Burberry's new perfume. And a certain $800 jacket, but then again maybe we'll take a family vacation....

I went to the dentist today. The kids and I played at our friends' house while Chris and friend Nathan aerated and seeded 4 houses (that I know of) in the pouring, cold rain. This is what my veteran husband decides to do on his day off.... thank you love, for your service, your commitment and your aerating and seeding abilities.

My other favorite vet, my lifelong hero is no longer around to thank. My dad was incredible in many ways, one being a Vietnam vet. Two tours beginning when he was just 18-years-old. He made a really horrific situation better for everyone around him. He carried that through his life. I love you dad, you are the best. Thanks for serving.

Good night everyone. Hope you have a vet to love today, tonight and always. In the words of my lovely husband, "Don't forget to thank a veteran today. Some veterans also like to be hugged."