We love to read! What homeschooling family doesn’t? I personally like to teach using alot of fun literature and do a good mix of Five in a Row with my own variations and extra activities. One of the FIAR authors is Robert McCloskey and one of his books is Make Way for Ducklings. If you haven’t heard of it, you’re truly missing out! It is a sweet tale of a family of ducks who is searching for the perfect home to raise a family. They end up on an adventure through the city, finally finding a place of traquility in the midst of the crazy in the middle of the Boston Public Garden. The park itself is certainly a treat with monuments dedicated to revolutionary heros, walking paths, and the famous swan boats along the water. We didn’t have alot of time to do alot in the park, but I wanted to make sure we could go and see the little ducklings. The children enjoyed seeing one of their favorite storybooks brought to life (contrary to the looks on their faces – that’s just the PCS – Photographer’s Child Syndrome – kicking in).
These photos are ones of power. The privilege and ability that God has given women to bear and give birth to our babies, our gifts from heaven, and the ability to feel such a tightly knit bond to mother them through adoption is humbling. There is empowerment in that humility, though. We are trusted with the very lives of these babes. This mother is statuesque, confident in her ability to nurture this newborn life. Now as a mom I know that not every moment of motherhood if dripping with confidence. In fact there have been moments in fits of crying and screaming and defiance in which I wonder why I ever thought I was capable. The truth is that on my own I am not capable of giving my children the picture of a full life- it is Christ in me that allows me the grace and wisdom to receive confidence to guide my family. In those Christ-seeking moments, I feel his power flow through me, confidence spreading through my veins and rediscovering the joy of motherhood. Those are the moments in which I feel the roar of motherhood rising in me. Thank you, God, for the privilege of motherhood. I am thrilled to be a part of the tribe of mothers. From the very first mother created in the garden of Eden to the very newest mom right here in my new home state of Pennsylvania, we each have stories and something, someone, to be proud of. So for all of you mothers out there, cling tight the babe at your bosom and say it with me out of the depths of devotion: “I am Mother, hear me ROAR!”
You may remember this cutie from a post a few weeks ago. His first birthday session was a blast! We were able to get lots of creative shots right here in the Poconos, and some great keepsakes for his mom and dad.
The main challenge: bedtime. This little guy goes to bed early! But guess what doesn’t go to bed early? The sun. It was a little challenge to get him to show off his happy-all-the-time personality for the evening light, but we was a trooper! I am so glad! He, like most babies, loved his balloon. He was just learning how to walk steadily and gleefully trailed his balloon down the street, proclaiming proudly his victory of turning ONE! Don’t worry, this is a safe street in Pennsylvania with little to no traffic… no babies were harmed in the making of this photo shoot. In fact, one baby was quite filled with laughter during this photo shoot! Just the first year of many; oh the places he will go!
Captain Hook and Peter Pan are not ones to back down from a good adventure, or a good playful taunt! These boys had a lot of fun with their storybook session. Have I mentioned how much I love creating fantasy? Bringing kid’s imagination to life is one of the very best parts of my job! Hook and Peter don’t usually cooperate as well as my two boys did, but they definitely had adventure on the brain. They were having sword fights with wildflower stems and showing off their finest jousting showmanship. Their “on guard”s and “gotcha!”s echoing in the breeze! Even in Pennsylvania, Never Never Land is only a wish away. Tinkerbell of course made an appearance here in the Poconos to jingle that reminder in Peter’s ear. That feisty fairy doesn’t want to be forgotten! Peter did seem to wonder who would be coming back with him to Never Land this time. There are Indians and pirates to engage! Forget Scranton, let’s head towards the second star to the right and straight on till morning.
“So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever in Never Never Land.” -Peter Pan
We’ve been studying the American Revolution this year, the patriots, and all of the other important people and events that shaped our country’s rich history. I am so thankful we have the opportunity to live in the northeastern part of the U.S. even if it is only for a couple of years. We have so many wonderful cities, rich with historical landmarks just within a few hours drive from us. This summer we took a road trip up to Boston. We hit up many of the typical tourist spots but this was one of my favorites, and the kid’s as well. It was the Edes print shop and chocolate store. The coolest thing about this place was that we had actually been learning (thanks to a neat video game we found on Pinterest) about the Edes family print shop. I had no idea that there was still actually a place in existence so I was very excited to see it. Even cooler is the fact that they are still printing copies of the Declaration of Indepenence on their original printing press. The adjoining chocolate store/factory.. whatever it actually is called was also pretty neat as well. You can see how they took cocoa powder to make hot chocolate and even sample a taste. Surprising to the kids, it was not that sweet as sugar was ofcourse very expensive during the Revolution. I definitely recommend taking a tour of these two little historical gems when you visit Boston!
A twinkle in her eyes, laughter on her tongue, this little girl is having fun turning one! If you’ve read my previous posts, you know how amazed I am by how much babies change and learn in the first year of life. I love, love, love capturing these milestones. When they get to the age when they are interacting with the world, exploring the earth, crawling, toddling, walking, you can see the glimmer in their gazes light up with wonder! While it is kind of challenging to photograph these newly on-the-go tots, the reward for the job is so nice. Check out baby girl’s glee in the top photo! She is a happy one. A happy “one” year old! She is perfectly surrounded with pink blossoms, a backdrop fit for this kind of princess. I love how nature just creates the most beautiful scenery. How can we not photograph outdoors all year round? Each season has something remarkable to offer, just like each season of life. I am so happy that I got to capture this season for this sweet heart!
