December 27, 2015

Upon waking, I peered out the window to find the fresh falling snow that was predicted. It blanketed the ground with pure white, decorated the trees with a layer of fluff, and continued to fall from the sky without a hint of slowing. And I thought to myself...what a beautiful day to get married. 

Most couples hope and pray for blue, sunny skies for their big day. And while that may be ideally best, I can't help but think that any day is a beautiful day to get married. Because, in all truth, the wedding isn't about filling the church with guests, it's not about what kind of cake is served or if the decor starts falling down before the ceremony even begins. No...it's about the holy, sacred union of a man and his bride...purposing to journey life together as one. The rest is just the icing on the cake. So to speak.
These two completely get it. The snow fell relentlessly, and yet their enthusiasm for their impending marriage never wavered. They trompsed through wet Maine snow for photos, grins so big it was contagious. I only just met these two, but it isn't hard to see...they were meant to be. Oceans and cultures apart, heaven found a way to unite them together.
Snowstorm and all..it was perfect. Everything was as it should be, and two beautiful people began their "forever" journey.
It truly was a beautiful day to get married.

Savoring

This morning in my hurrying around the house, my eyes were drawn to our boys who were intently staring out the dining room window. Frozen like statues, it's extremely uncharacteristic of them, and so I decided it was in my best interest to investigate. ("Quiet" is never, ever a good thing with twins.)
"What are you guys looking at?" I inquired. "A sqwall," they replied. Sure enough, there was a chubby gray squirrel nervously gathering snacks from our lawn. We sat there together a while, watching this little guy.
And it got me to thinking.
The holiday season can be so busy. The hustle and bustle of decorating, food preparations, gift buying and giving. As a mom of five, I know all too well just how crazy it can get. The pressure of getting everything done, filling the calendar with various obligatory activities and events, coping with the highs and lows of excited, yet overtired children...it can make your head spin. In this last week of preparing for Christmas, I'm finding myself in that panic state, trying to accomplish all that "must" be done. As I hurried around the kitchen, I felt that anxious feeling rising to my throat once again...and then the "sqwall" happened. Watching my boys enjoying the simplicity of the moment, I was reminded to stop and savor. Reminded that my "musts" need to be redefined and expectations require alterations in order for life to be enjoyed fully. That even through the busyness of the holidays, taking time to stop and simply be and soak in all that life offers is where joy abounds.
Because in all truth...Christmas isn't just about cookies or parties, presents or decorations. Those should be the icing on the cake, not the stresses of the season. In making those things priority, we've forgotten the simplistic, beautiful story of a Baby born that would grow into a Man that would one day give us hope for a future and a reason to celebrate and soak in the present.
Here's to the last week of Christmas...to taking it slow and savoring it moment by moment.

Sweet Cecily

When I received the call asking if I could possibly come the hospital to obtain newborn baby pictures, I was elated. Firstly, because who doesn't love a delicious, freshly born baby?! But secondly, because I adore this precious family and their beautiful story.
Every family has a story, a history from the very beginning when roots are planted. Some families have roots that are blemished, yet grow into the most beautiful of stories, and some roots are simply beautifully grown from the beginning. This family's roots are just beautiful from the very start.
Like many little girls, Erika dreamed of lace-and-satin weddings, of a whispered promise, "I do" and of happily ever after. With her own family's roots embedded deep in faith, she learned early this trust in God's perfect timing and plan. As a teenager, Erika purposed that she would reserve her heart and body completely and exclusively for her future husband. Time ticked by, year turned over to another year, and she began to wonder if there was a man out there for her...if having a family was just a fading dream. And then she met Michael, the love of her life. Just in time; God's perfect time. Her standards unwavering, she knew the right one would be worth the wait. Undoubtedly, he was.
 At her age of twenty-nine and his age of twenty-six, heaven saw fit to bring these two together. And on a beautiful, sunny day in June, Michael and Erika exchanged their vows. Their roots were established, and their story began. It wasn't long before this family of two became a family of three, and within three short years of becoming parents, they've created a beautiful life for themselves with three amazing children. They have been blessed beyond measure, and undoubtedly rewarded for their patience, obedience, faithfulness and trust.
On December eighteenth this family became complete. Their third and final child was born. Sweet Cecily couldn't be any more precious. She, like her big sister and brother, are tangible evidence that good things really do come to those that wait and have faith.

 

Congratulations, Michael and Erika. Together you've deeply rooted an amazing story of strong faith, unending hope and incredible love. May the rest of your story play out just as beautiful as the beginning.

Snow Day

As my eyes scanned the living room window this morning, it was impossible to ignore. Big, fluffy flakes began falling from the sky. Cling-to-your-nose kind of snowflakes. All day long, the beautiful fluff continued to rain down from clouded skies and blanketed the ground with pure white.
I always love the first few snowfalls. There's something about it that beckons you to reminisce back to childhood days...when bundling up was fun anticipation of outdoor play, frigid temperatures were worth every tingly-numb toe, and snow angels were an absolute must. Growing up in Maine, these were my memories of childhood winter fun.
I must be honest: In my older years, I've developed a distaste for this northern chill. Our winters are bitterly cold and brutal to travel in. Snow continually needs to be moved and piles of it linger far too long past the ending of winter. However, in all truth, I still am a sucker for gazing at it from a distance. Like a warm house or a heated vehicle.
Before nightfall came, most of the snow had fallen and I decided it was time for a little drive to make an assessment of the local scenery. And I came to a conclusion: our Northeastern winters may be fierce...but they're incredibly beautiful.

Here's to "Dreaming of a White Christmas"...

Friday Fun

While trying to capture some chickadees frantically feeding from our front porch today, my twin boys begged for my attention with their goofiness.
These two. At three-and-a-half years old they're wild, busy and really quite hilariously entertaining. And so, to humor them, we held an impromptu mini photo session in the living room. My theory is: if they pose, take advantage.
Oh, and did I mention they're kinda cute? I may be partial...

A Classy Christmas

Last evening I had the privilege of attending and photographing the "Ladies Classic Christmas Party" for The Rock Church of Greater Bangor. (What a beautiful, talented and fun group of ladies in leadership!)
With around two-hundred women in attendance, the hustle and bustle of fun quickly permeated the venue. Holiday music filling the air, ladies infiltrated the room with chatter, laughter and shimmery, glittery attire. Lit candles, crisp linen and rustic log decor was just the right touch to this elegant event.
What a perfect way to pause from the often rushed holiday season. And how incredibly special to celebrate it with a variety of women from all seasons and stages of life...all uniquely and beautifully made.
Here's just a few of my favorite captured moments from the evening...