Called to Serve

My mom and dad are on a mission.  They left for the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, UT on Sunday and this next Monday they are going to Chile for the next 18 months!  They have always been such great examples and great parents and while we will miss them, we admire their willingness to leave everything behind to go serve the Lord and the people in Chile.  The gospel sure is something special.  

Thanks, mom and dad for teaching me.  You still are.

Keep up with them on their mission at their blog.

Bounce

My parents rented a bounce house for our recent family reunion.  It seemed like a good idea for 18 grandkids.  And it was.

Miles lived in it.

Note to self: When I find a magic lamp with a genie in it waiting to grant me some wishes, wish for a bounce house.

Pontooning with Grandma Sally

We went to visit my parents and family in ID and WA.  My parents are going on a mission to Chile (!) so this was our last visit and family reunion before they go for 18 months.  Miles sure will miss them.  On the plane ride up there Miles and I had the following conversation:

M: "There are five people in my family."

A: "Who?"

M: "Sally, Doug, Ashley, Dave, Me!"

So anyway.  He loves them.  It was good to visit one more time before they go.  Before the family reunion started we took advantage of a beautiful, sunny lake day and some one on one attention.

Miles had a grand ol' time driving with Grandma Sally and was an unbelievable wuss when it came to getting in the water because of how cold the water was.  I guess he's a Texan these days....

A Birth Story

So, you may have noticed that photography is a hobby of mine.  I haven't ever really wanted to turn it into a business for several different reasons.  But if I ever were to try to make a dime off of photography, I'd do birth stories.  Hands down.  The first time I saw a birth story from another photographer, I cried because it's so beautiful and I thought, "That is genius."

A few weeks ago, I got to photograph the birth of the prettiest little baby girl.  I asked this baby girl's mama if I could photograph her labor and delivery the very day I met her; I'm so glad she said yes!  It was such a privilege.  I'm pretty sure I cried just as much if not more than any single person in the room.  There is nothing in this world like a baby being born.  What an experience!

If you haven't heard of or seen birth photography before, I know your reaction.  I've seen it and heard it, but I hope you'll look at these pictures.  There are no, you know... PARTS, but I did photograph a baby being born.  It's safe, I promise.  And it's beautiful, if you ask me.

Maria did an awesome job and Matt was so attentive and gentle and kind.  She calls him Matty.  He calls her Mo.  They made Libby.  So glad I got to record it.

Y'all are about to see a baby.  FYI.

Beautiful.