The Photographer's VIP Pass...

I am a photographer, you all know that.  I'm going to tell you why being a photographer comes with a VIP pass.  I catch moments with my camera that I would likely otherwise miss because I am always looking!  Before I started taking pictures as a hobby I simply took snap shots.  Now I am trained to be looking for the moment and for the beauty that is everywhere every day.  These images are from my sister's wedding that just took place last fall.

After the wedding everyone left to go to lunch, but I got to stay and hang out with the bride and groom.  I had the VIP pass.

Later as everyone else was rushing around setting up the reception I got to take in the beauty of it all by capturing images of all the details.  Again... I had the VIP pass.

Last year my best friend had her fourth baby after an eight year break.  It was kind of a big deal.  This session was just me and her laughing and having fun.  No stress, no expectations, and no kids!  (hahaha)  Again... I had the VIP pass.

Just a couple of months ago my precious niece was born and because I held the VIP pass I got to spend an entire afternoon with her and her mother while she was still tiny and squishy. (doesn't her little chin just melt your heart?!)

And then there are moments like this that I happen to catch because my camera was already out and ready.  I have the VIP pass because I'm The Mom.

 

I'm grateful for discovering a love for photography because it has opened my eyes to the amazing moments that surround me every day.  Some moments are more frame-worthy than others, but all of them are precious and worth capturing!  I have learned that when I stop long enough to just admire the wonder that is around me my heart no longer has room to feel sad or overwhelmed.  Instead, all I feel is gratitude and happiness.

 

Love you Like Crazy!

 

Amazeber

 

 



Living the Real Life Fairytale...

Real life... What is that anyway?  Is it what you see on the news feed of Instagram or read about on blogs?  Maybe.  However, I know that when I spend too much time looking through other blogs, surfing Pinterest, and scanning Instagram I start to feel a little less than awesome.  How do all of those women seem to keep their homes in perfect order, have happy shining kids, and never have a hair out of place?  They do all this while being crafty and creative and I bet they have a hot dinner sitting on the table the second their hubby walks through the door.  Ha!  They probably even wear a cute little apron that they sewed themselves and maybe they even serve dinner wearing heels... 

Okay, okay.  Maybe that's NOT real life.  However, for me, THIS is:

Yep.  That's my house.  My four kids pile up garbage next to the trash can.  I don't have a laundry room so my room serves as the place to separate and organize the clothes.  My kitchen is being remodeled and so I have a living room filled with tubs and no way to bake or boil.  I use a skillet and a crock pot most nights to make dinner.  (And no, I don't wear an apron or heels)  In fact, I kneel down on the floor to cook because I have nowhere else to prepare the food.  My bathroom sink serves as a kitchen sink.  All six of us squeeze into one bathroom every night and every morning.  By the time I get to shower there is only ice cold water left.  I know what you are thinking...

Dang! That's glamorous!  Well, you are RIGHT!  It is!

This picture was taken on my property.  This beautiful model is my daughter.  This looks like a fairytale, but it's my life.  I took these pictures just as I got home from being gone all day.  Sophia was in the middle of her schoolwork but the sun was setting and I just couldn't resist making the best of the moment.  I could have made dinner right then.  I could have started another load of laundry.  I could have gone upstairs and started my own homework.  Instead, I took a half hour to play "fairytale" with my daughter who is growing up too fast among the lush grass that will soon be dry and brown. 

Real life isn't always pretty.  It's messy and sticky and loud and CRAZY!  Sometimes real life is far more than beautiful... real life can be breath taking.

I decided today that instead of comparing other people's fairytales to my own that I would just love the one I'm living.  I will smile and I will move forward every single day.  Inside my house you will find piles of laundry, four screaming kids, a wonderful husband, and a lot of love.  What more could I ask for?

Love you like Crazy,

 

Amazeber