Saturday, September 24, 2016

Julia | 4th Birthday | Cinderella Theme | Alpine Groves Park

It is so hard to believe that my firstborn, my baby, is going to be 4 in eight days. I don't like to think about the fact that she is growing up! Why can't they just stay babies forever?

She continues to grow into a beautiful little girl who is smart, silly, sweet, compassionate, and maybe a little bit sassy. Okay, maybe a lot of bit sassy. I wouldn't have it any other way though... on most days. ;)

My little Julia Bug is into princesses these days. I say these days, but it really started when she was two. It has only progressed from there. Basically...she's obsessed. Cinderella, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Elsa, Anna, Arielle, you name it - she loves it. She could spend all day dressing up as a princess, prancing around the house, and using it as a "royal excuse" to boss her little brother around. It's a learning process, right?

She also loves to dance, and is currently taking her first dance class. I am very thankful that is she is able to participate because she absolutely loves it. She is always looking forward to dance class on Mondays.

She loves to sing everything from "Let It Go" (50 times a day) to "Jesus Loves the Little Children." If she isn't dancing, she is singing...or both simultaneously. She is very musical. It does run in the genes, so she gets it honestly. I'm totally okay with that.

She loves to be creative. She loves to draw, color, paint, use play dough to create a masterpiece. Here lately, she has been trying to be "photographer" like Mommy. Of course, I'm totally okay with that, too!

On another note, if anyone knows my Julia, you know there is not a shy bone in her body. Not one. She knows no stranger, and she hasn't since she was a baby. She can strike up a conversation with anyone...ANYONE. It's terrifying yet exciting at the same time. I can see such leadership potential in her as she gets older. But, in the meantime, we are continuing to work on the whole "stranger danger" thing.

Seriously though, I could not imagine life without my sweet girl. God has richly blessed our family by her precious heart. She can have quite the attitude on occasion (and what girl doesn't?), but she has such a heart for people. She has such a beautiful spirit about her, and I can't wait to see how the Lord will use her one day.

I love you my Julia Bug! I know I'm still eight days early, but Happy Birthday baby girl! You are getting more and more beautiful with every day. I am so blessed to be your Mommy!



Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Jonathan & Meghan Married | Outdoorsy Wedding | Keystone Heights, FL

A few weeks ago, I was given the privilege of shooting my brother-in-law's wedding alongside Ms. Pam (photographer out of Keystone Heights, FL).

If there is one word I can use to describe Jonathan and his bride, Meghan, it would be "outdoorsy" for sure! They enjoy everything from hunting to fishing, so if you know them, you know there will be camo, boots, antlers, shot gun shells, and a boat all throughout this wedding! It could not have been more perfect for them!

It was the most laid back, relaxing wedding I have ever attended, and it was absolutely beautiful. More importantly, our God was glorified through the joining of these two people becoming husband and wife.

Congratulations Jonathan & Meghan Stanland! I pray God will bless you as you enter into this new journey, and you will continue to lead each other to Jesus above anything else all the days of your lives. I am incredibly blessed to call you family! Thank you for allowing me to have a small part in your special day.