Like every good song, even goodbyes have a bridge. It compares and contrasts and prepares us for the return of the verse and the chorus. Did you know the bridge is also called a release? So fitting. You know when you are listening to a really good song, then you hear...
I've been putting off writing this as I processed so many thoughts and emotions. I'm going to fast forward through the rest of summer and go back later to write it. That's ok, right? You guys don't mind, do you? Well, everything they've said about leaving for college...
Every year my college roommates and I try to get together. With two continents and nineteen children between us, it can be difficult for everyone to come. This year, my best friend Jen was on home leave from Africa. She was going to be traveling through Arizona for...
When you tell people that you had a baby at 43 years old or that you have an 18 year age span between your children, you get a lot of questions and even more looks of concern. If you know our story, you know what an absolute blessing and surprise Riley, Mary Alice,...
We had a beautiful afternoon free and took an easy hike at Campbell Mesa Loop Trails. “I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen.” ― A.A. Milne This summer, road trips were so great for our family. It got us out of the heat. We were away from laundry and...
Fourth of July was always a huge event when I was growing up. We looked forward to the parades every year. Sometimes it was Plano, Texas and sometimes it was Mansfield, Texas, but it was always fun and huge. The first year we moved to Phoenix, I couldn't believe that...
When we were at Huntington Beach, you asked for a mini photo shoot. As we left the hotel, I grabbed my camera and the cooler to head to the car. I decided to empty the cooler of the water from the melted ice the day before and hollered something about someone grabbing...
Road trips are keeping us all sane somehow. It's hot. We are together a lot and heading up north to make memories makes a lot of sense right now. As we drove, we noticed signs explaining trail restrictions. I was hoping the trail I had chosen wouldn't be closed, but...
Disclaimer: I was invited to a complimentary media screening of ANT-MAN AND THE WASP. Last week, Nate and I had the privilege of seeing a sneak preview of ANT-MAN AND THE WASP. I was hesitant about taking Nate, because last time I felt the humor was inappropriate...
I held my breath all weekend, hoping that the kids were well by Monday. We'd been planning a trip to California and I was so hopeful. Well, Sunday was perfect. We packed, planned, and I apologized in advance for my ridiculous need to control everything the mornings we...
And then, after all the celebrations, we were hit with a stomach bug. The two littlest had it the worst. Brian's parents and his sister, Laura, and her family were still in town. I was so sad to miss spending time with them. I took care of the two little lovebugs and...
A few weeks before graduation, the moms of the seniors were visiting and decided to combine our graduation parties into one. Instead of asking the same families to come to five separate events, we decided to throw one, wonderful, fun event for the upper school and all...
When Julia changed schools in 7th grade, I was so nervous for her. I hoped her year would in no way resemble my awkwardly, terrible 7th grade memories. The summer before she started, we wanted her to get to know someone in her class. We met the other new family that...
Beat the "I'm bored" blues with these tried and true kids crafts. Seems like we've all been there- we're stuck inside and the kids are bored. Maybe it is just too hot to go out (or maybe you get a lot of rainy days in your neck of the woods). Then comes complaining...
Red White and Blue Party Punch is a refreshing accompaniment to any patriotic celebration! This post was sponsored by Torani and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. #AToraniVacation #Ad On Memorial Day, I knew I would be hosting a special party for Julia's...
Julia graduated last week at St. Mary's Basilica in downtown Phoenix. Mass was followed by a perfect and simple graduation service. During the Mass, I had the honor of giving Julia a rose to place at Mother Mary's feet. I was sure this would be the part of her...
This post was sponsored by SwimWays as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. Summer is in full swing here in the desert! That means a lot of time in the pool. We've been using this baby float for...
My favorite photo shoot ever. Julia and her dear friend Julia headed with me for an afternoon of silly giggles, running over hills, and serious flower placement. Julia's sisters Claire and Lily came. It was epic. They were so much fun to shoot together and they were...
On the day Julia was born, I went to work at Universal Computer Systems. My clients were located in California, but that day I had traded my shift for the East Coast. My team was throwing me a baby shower that evening and I didn't want them to have to wait until 6...
A few months ago, I had the privilege of 2nd shooting for Taylor Kalander. The entire experience was so incredible. Taylor was photographing a gender reveal for the sweetest couple - Travis and Liz. They were relaxed and funny and included us in the celebration! My...
School is finishing up, and I wanted to share some teacher appreciation gift ideas with you. If you need any glitter adhesive for projects, you can use the code 5/15/2018 until 5/21/2018 - 25% off Glitter Adhesive with code IHEARTGLITTER18 {Click here} Another school...