I must be a REALLY good mom...

I haven't been too good at blogging, but I think it's because I keep catching myself coming and going! I'm keeping busy with photo shoots....when I'm not taking pictures, I'm editing. So I'm a little burry-eyed at the moment! I can't complain though...I get to do something that I love and it is a way for me to stay home with Charlotte (which I love even more!) :)

I'm waiting for a load of diapers to finish washing so I can throw them in the dryer and then head to bed. I did 348 loads of laundry today. (well, it felt like it anyway!) It seems like the housework is never caught up. I appreciated my friend Callie's comment today that a sign of a good mom is a house that isn't spotless! It means she's spending more time with her child than she is cleaning :) That definitely fits me to a "t"! At least I finally have a good excuse!

While I'm waiting for my 349th load of laundry to finish, here's a few shots from my shoot last week...these are Shelly's adorable little girls (you can check out her blog under "blogs i visit") This was by far my most fun shoot yet! (the first picture speaks for itself!)

It's almost Easter!

I haven't been able to blog much lately. Charlotte's keeping us up at night, and tomorrow begins 2 months of back to back photo shoots. So my blogs will probably be limited to a few words here and there, and mostly pictures :)
Speaking of which, I finally took some Easter pics of Charlotte yesterday in my parents' yard. She'll be 9 months by Easter...she is the sunshine in my every day :)

Letters to Heidi

(click on image to view full size)

I had wanted to post this on March 10th, but Charlotte & I were both sick, so it got put on the back burner for awhile...

My sister and best friend, Heidi, died 3 years ago on March 10th. She had complications following childbirth, and slipped away from us five short days after giving birth. She was my best friend, my confidante, my playmate, my encourager......I could never put into words all that she was to me.

My mom gave me these letters shortly after she died. She had found them while going through some of Heidi's things. Apparently Heidi had saved several letters that I had written her over the years. These were all written when I was between the age of 8 and 14. I couldn't believe that she would hold onto these letters and pictures for close to 15 years. I treasure these notes, as they bring back such sweet memories of simpler days, when life didn't hurt so much.

I still write letters to Heidi. They are different now, as I'm older now, and life has thrown a few challenges my way. But they are still very much the same...love letters to my dear sister.

In memory of Heidi...daughter, sister, friend, wife, and mother. I miss you as much today as I did 3 years ago.

Spring is coming!

It has been so beautiful here this week! Yesterday it reached a record-breaking high of 80 degrees! Charlotte & I spent most of the day outside or sitting in front of the window, enjoying the warm breeze and sunny skies. Spring weather is such a great pick-me-up. Nothing better than having the windows open all day! My dad came down for a visit, so I snapped some photos of him with Charlotte outside. She always gives him the best smiles! Tomorrow is back to temps in the 40s and rain. Blah. Oh well, we enjoyed this weather while it lasted! I can't wait until Spring is offically here!

The God of all comfort

I wish I had the time (& strength) to write all that I had intended to for this week's blog. But as Charlotte & I are both battling a terrible stomach virus, it is a treat for me to even check my email. So this will be short, but I am hoping to post more once we are all well.
This week marks the anniversay of the deaths of my son, Henry, and my sister & best friend, Heidi. So many emotions are swirling about in my head. I got an e-card from a friend yesterday, and the scripture verse it listed is one of my favorites. It has become dear to my heart in the last several years... so I want to share it with you.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (2 Corinthians 1:3.4, NIV)

Happy Birthday Drew!

Happy Birthday to my favorite 3 year old! Drew, I love being your Aunt-you make life so fun! I love you, Punky!

mini playdate with the cuz!

This morning I babysat Drew for an hr and a half...so he and Charlotte got to enjoy a "mini playdate" at our house! I love watching them interact. Charlotte just thinks Drew is the funniest thing on the planet. I really think she could watch him play all afternoon. I have to admit, he is pretty entertaining! It's times like this that I miss Heidi all the more. I can just picture us sitting there, watching the kids play, snapping pictures, getting their snacks, making lunch together, talking about the latest news in our circle of friends, planning our vacation this summer, etc. When I watch Drew play I see what an awesome little person he is becoming. I am so thankful that Charlotte will have Drew to grow up with. They make quite a pair!