And Lila makes 7

Yup...you heard right. Before you start to think, "Is this lady crazy?" or anything like that, let me preface this post by saying, "No, she's not crazy!" In fact this whole family is amazing. These children sat and looked like the pictures below the whole time. Would this happen with my mere 3...no way. These gentle souls were so fun and gracious to be around. Shelley and I met each other before we even had children (when was that again?) and our lives just kept us running us into each other...lucky for me! It's been so fun to share stories, advice, life lessons and blessings with one another along the way. I hope you enjoy these favorites of mine. Dave...the last one is just for you...I didn't know you were such a great basketball player!

Elizabeth Grace

My cousin Matt and I are only a few months apart. We fought like cats and dogs growing up...and loved every minute of it. It's funny what you remember when your younger...bits and pieces of what you think happened. I, unfortunately, have a few film negatives that prove I was the pushy one. Matt's the one with the gentle spirit. See small or huge collage below:





Now he's this great man devoted to his amazing family. He and his wife, Sarah, and his first born, Ava, now live in Michigan. Kylie and Ava are definitely kindred spirits (apparently first born girls stick together). During Christmas 2006, Sarah and I were so excited to find out that we were pregnant at the same time. I was due about 2 weeks before her August due date. We talked about having a boy vs.a girl and what a surprise both of them were :o)

I believe it was early April when we got the call that Sarah had gone into the hospital with complications. It's in that moment when your heart drops to your stomach and you drop to your knees in prayer. It was especially difficult for me knowing that this very thing could happen to me at any moment as well.

We waited for phone calls, emails, anything that would keep us updated. Finally we heard that they couldn't keep the baby inside Sarah any longer. Sarah finally delivered a little girl 4 months early. I don't want to give too much away, as I'd love for you to view the video below. March of Dimes is dear to their hearts, as it is ours. I hope this video inspires you. I hope it reiterates the possibility of miracles...as that is what our Elizabeth Grace very plainly is:

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Peter Pan

Kylie and I were outside playing yesterday when I heard, "Get off of me!". I thought she was referring to a bug or something. When I asked her who she was talking to, she replied (with hands on hips), "Myself!" Her shadow was stuck to her and wouldn't get off. These things make me happy :o)

The Love of Community

Ahhh...hibernation is over. Streets and alleys come alive. Grills are firing up. Cobwebs are coming off the bikes. Canvas chairs are found in the garage. Plastic plates adorn the patio table. The park one street over is excited to see us. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I always say that I live the ghetto...I even grew up on the "east side". But the way I talk about these things are in jest. I absolutely love where I live. I grew up in a neighborhood where everyone knew everyone, trick or treating was even safe all night (we took around pillow cases as bags...have I mentioned my sweet tooth?)and I loved it. Now, I love that my children know their neighbors, and that we hang out together all the time. We have dinner outside together several times a week in the summer. People just walking by end up staying for hours. I love this time of year. I was sitting on my neighbor's big swing with Eli on Sunday and I was overcome with what the feelings of true community bring to the soul. The kids were all playing in the yard, the adults were talking about every topic. Josh and I know that it won't always be like this...people move, things change...but for now, I love my neighborhood. One of the first slideshows I put together was about my neighborhood, at the end of last summer. I can't wait for this summer and what joy it will bring to our whole family. We were created to live in community...and I know why.






Playing in mud puddles




Throwing rocks and doing boy things




Just playing together! I've been waiting for this one!




Eli's first real summer...squinty eyes and a snotty nose. ps like josh's handlebars?

Sam and Will

I had the privilege to meet Sam and Will yesterday. These two brothers had an amazing time together. They warmed right up to me, no questions asked. They're less than a year apart and do such a great job playing together...yes, even after I was there for an hour (wink). I was telling Michelle that it's so fun to watch little people have such different personalities already. Michelle and Brandon you're amazing. Thank you for sharing part of your story with me.






































Okay, don't hate me for putting this last one in. I just makes me feel better as a mother that this can happen one minute and then they're totally fine the next! :o)

1 Day, 2 Birthdays, 3 Suprises!

I ran for 2 whole hours on Saturday morning. Not a bad way to start off your birthday (wha??) My friends Kari and Jen made me do the whole thing. It was actually pretty awesome when I was done. It was the first time I felt like I could possibly run the Mini and finish it without keeling over! See before and after pictures below.
BEFORE:


AFTER:


Not only was it my birthday but it was also Xavier's! Yup, I gave birth on my birthday a couple of years ago. He was a pretty great present. Below he has on his birthday crown from school...and he's very happy about it. Don't ask about the pants...


Then best part of the day was that my hot husband totally surprised me all day. We went out to lunch, saw a movie (kid free...thanks Mom!), then my Mindy (yes, she's my Mindy) picked me up right when we got home and took me to a spa! Josh had it all secretly taken care of. Manicure, pedicure and massage! Holla. As if that wasn't enough, he then planned a girls' night out for me. My friend Anne, joined me and Mindy (the people I spend most of my time with)for dinner at The Capital Grill. This is a big deal. We spend so much time together, but rarely ever finish a complete sentence. It was fun to just be girls together and not Mommies. The restaurant took such good care of us. They had amazing service and just went above and beyond with everything. And the food was delicious! We ended up at Nicky Blaine's for a couple of martinis afterwards. I highly recommend the blueberry Pomegranate martini. Mmmm...yummy. What a day! I was pretty tired Sunday, but it was worth it. Joshy did good.

OSP Indy...Out of the Office

I just "got back" from a photography conference here in Indianapolis. I was really only about a half a mile from my house...but it seemed like a different world! All adults (for the most part). All adult conversation. No body asked me to blow their nose. People actually liked talking about lenses and cameras and albums and brides and apertures and shutter speeds and shiny new things! I met some new AMAZING people and hung out with friends that I could spend hours upon hours with but rarely get the chance to. If any of you OSPers (I just said pee-ers) are out there and want to share some pics, please send them my way. I'll try to post some within a week or so. Now...I'm off to answer emails and return phone calls. Thanks for you patience!

PS. OSP stands for opensourcephoto. It's amazing.

Finnegan + Fitzgerald + St. Patty's Day + Wedding = FUN!

I just did my first total Irish wedding! It was fabulous. Complete with Guinness, blue eyes, Jameson, Irish Stew, some jigs and lots of family. Megan's parents and grandparents were both married at the same church. It was beautiful. A wee bit of drizzle didn't bother this crew...it's in their blood! They even had a bagpiper...just like me!

I have a slideshow at the end with an all-time classic song (I even let it run twice to throughly enjoy the pics). But there are so many stories that go along with certain pictures that I just had to add a few of my favorites.


Because we all feel like this some days :o)


The Mavris was such a cool venue. I have a few more weddings there this year and can't wait to go back. These railroad tracks were in the backyard!


I was so excited to go to Fountain Square and take pictures. Of course, this is when the rain came! No bother though...we just took umbrellas with us! I love the vintage feel of the this one. I did realize that everyone was freezing and so I told them to yell at me. You'll have to find the next picture in the slideshow to see their faces!


One of the best parts of the day was when we got out of the limo bus to take pics. We were looking for an overhang so we wouldn't get wet. Deano's Vino was our only option. Thank goodness! After taking a few pictures and causing a ruckus, the owner actually came out and gave Megan and Sean champagne and glasses...and told some Irish jokes naturally. It was so gracious and fun!



Because Megan is a bada**!


Do I not get the most beautiful brides!? Look at these eyes!


I found this room at the church up in the choir loft. I LOVED it the moment I set my eyes on it. Lots of fun pics taken here!


Brave men. They pulled it off too!


These earrings need their own zip code...they were SOOOO amazing.


The couch at The Mavris. Gorgeous!


I could have taken a million pictures of these girls. They were twirling all night!



The groomsmen were cracking us up the whole time we were trying to take Sean's pictures. Although, I must say, every smile was definitely genuine!





Megan and Sean, thank you so much for taking care of us and letting us have so much fun with you.

Picture Parties! Wahoooo!!!

I've had this idea to do a Picture Party for quite some time now. Basically, someone hosts at their home and invites 3 or 4 friends with kids. I set up something very simple yet fun and have a mini photo shoot of each family. I set up an online viewing gallery for each family and they each receive a gift certificate to use towards the photo shoot. That's it. Something simple. Something fun. No obligations (I don't like feeling that either!). I enjoy it because I'm meeting new Mommies and kiddies, and I get to take fun pictures. The Mommies enjoy it because it's a play date and they get some pics. And the host really likes it because I give her lots of special things for hosting. It's a win-win-win situation.

This Friday was no exception! After much encouragement from some of my friends, I went for it! It was awesome! My great friend Lori hosted the event. She even made muffins and had snacks out for the kiddies. It all worked out so perfectly. She invited 3 amazing and talented (more to come on this) girlfriends that each had 2 kids. The kids just played together and then casually came over to me for some pictures! Lori had the idea to make it an Easter Party theme (she's full of good ideas). I brought some props...IE baskets, pink boas, eggs etc. And the Mommies brought the kids dressed up in Easter outfits. It was about 2 hours total.

I think I may do this a few times a year, unless the demand is more. If you are interested in knowing more or hosting a party, please contact me and we can set something up! If you have any theme ideas let me know. It's first come, first serve. Yay!

It was so hard to just pick a few to show, so here's a little slide show of everyone together. Enjoy :o)

This song's for you Allie!

Happy St. Patty's Day

I know it's a bit belated, but it still counts cause he's cute. You know I'm totally going to bust this out when he's 16 :o)



Thanks to all those who came out to the Rathskeller! I took my camera, but I'm not too sure I want to post the self portraits of myself just yet...great fun had by all!

This week's preview

Okay, I have lots to blog about this week, so here is a sneak peek to temp you to come back and see more! Oh, by the way...I totally ran 90 minutes without stopping today (thanks Jen and Kim!) Holla!

Megan and Sean's Irish Wedding



Picture Party Fun!!!



Guess the 2007 Bride?

Kara and Thuan's Slideshow

Thanks for your patience on this! I'm so excited to add on some more pictures to the ones below! Things to watch for as you view this slideshow:

First and foremost...this song's for you Thuan!
The flower girls sprinted down the aisle...possibly the fastest I've ever seen.
Love ALL the ones of Kara...especially the outside ones (thanks for sticking out in the cold!)
Notice in the dancing pictures that Kara and Thuan are singing to each other (awwww)
Kara's sorority sisters are hot!
Thuan's "west siders" are hot too!
I definitely ended on my favorite one of the day.

Enjoy!