I have known this sweet family for years. Sam, their younger son, was in my mom’s class a few years ago, and we have known them ever since. Erika was featured on Motherhood Monday, and I truly think she is supermom. Their entire family is sweet and loving. They give back to their community, and they love those around them. It was so much fun taking their pictures, talking movies with Noah, and chatting about school with Addie Rose and Sam. They even got to hang out with Henry for a few minutes at the end of their session. It was a great time!
“ZZzzz” Family — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017“ZZzzz” Family — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017“ZZzzz” Family — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017“ZZzzz” Family — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017“ZZzzz” Family — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017“ZZzzz” Family — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017“ZZzzz” Family — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017“ZZzzz” Family — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017“ZZzzz” Family — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017“ZZzzz” Family — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017“ZZzzz” Family — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017
Taylor and I worked so hard to schedule their shoot around rain that was coming in, and when we pulled up, it was pouring… Needless to say, we rescheduled and had beautiful weather the second time around. These two have so much fun together. A lot of the time we were together, we talked about the most random things and laughed. You can just tell how much Taylor and Michael love each other. They are getting married this fall, and I’m so excited for them!
Taylor + Michael Engagement — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Taylor + Michael Engagement — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Taylor + Michael Engagement — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Taylor + Michael Engagement — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Taylor + Michael Engagement — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Taylor + Michael Engagement — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Taylor + Michael Engagement — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Taylor + Michael Engagement — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Taylor + Michael Engagement — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Taylor + Michael Engagement — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Taylor + Michael Engagement — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Taylor + Michael Engagement — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Taylor + Michael Engagement — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017
Randi is graduating high school this year, and she’s so excited about the next season of her life. Our families have known each other for years, and it is honestly crazy that she is graduating. Her brother and my brother are the same age, so now the younger-younger siblings are graduating??? I met up with her and her mom, and we spend the morning taking pictures. She is so sweet, and she is going to the University of Alabama for college. Roll tide, Randi!! I’m looking forward to taking some pictures of her in her cap and gown when she gets them. Be on the lookout for those pictures on the blog as well.
Randi Senior Pictures — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Randi Senior Pictures — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Randi Senior Pictures — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Randi Senior Pictures — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Randi Senior Pictures — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Randi Senior Pictures — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Randi Senior Pictures — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017
Abby is a photographer too (you can check out some of her work here), so I was so flattered when she asked me to take some pictures of her and her boyfriend, Tyler. She knew exactly where she wanted to take them and showed me around one of her favorite spots to shoot. Don’t you love when people value community over competition?? Abby and I used to ride the same bus, so it was fun to catch up and chat about life too. She and Tyler are so sweet to each other, and it shows in their photos. Just look how cute they are!!
Abby + Tyler — Alabaster, AL — Spring 2017Abby + Tyler — Alabaster, AL — Spring 2017Abby + Tyler — Alabaster, AL — Spring 2017Abby + Tyler — Alabaster, AL — Spring 2017Abby + Tyler — Alabaster, AL — Spring 2017Abby + Tyler — Alabaster, AL — Spring 2017Abby + Tyler — Alabaster, AL — Spring 2017Abby + Tyler — Alabaster, AL — Spring 2017Abby + Tyler — Alabaster, AL — Spring 2017Abby + Tyler — Alabaster, AL — Spring 2017
I loved meeting up with the “T” family to take some family pictures, as well as some pictures of Turner for his first birthday. Ashleigh, Turner’s mom, and I have known each other since 5th grade. We were in the same class. Since then we have stayed friends and recently really got to be able to start hanging out again. Turner is such a joy. He is laid-back and sweet. He did such a great job with smiling and showing his little personality in the pictures. The ones with his tongue out may be my favorites. We even got to do a smash cake, provided by Ashleigh’s sister-in-law. Turner wasn’t really a big fan of getting messy though… Overall, we had a great time, and we got some good shots to show for it!
Turner First Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Spring 2017“T” Family Pictures — Helena, AL — Spring 2017Turner First Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Spring 2017Turner First Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Spring 2017“T” Family Pictures — Helena, AL — Spring 2017Turner First Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Spring 2017Turner First Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Spring 2017“T” Family Pictures — Helena, AL — Spring 2017Turner First Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Spring 2017Turner First Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Spring 2017“T” Family Pictures — Helena, AL — Spring 2017Turner First Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Spring 2017“T” Family Pictures — Helena, AL — Spring 2017
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I’m linking up with Leigh Kramer to talk about what I’m into from this past month.
March always seems to fly by. I remember in high school there were all kinds of things going on that made it go by so quickly like tennis matches, baseball games, spring break, etc. Then in college, it was always when the weather got consistently warm enough to hang out on the quad or find somewhere to hang up some Eno hammocks with friends. Also, my mom, dad, and brother all have birthdays in March. Needless to say, we’ve been running a million miles an hour it seems like, but more on that farther down in this post.
Reading-Related
I read some really great books this month, and I learned about the magic of the library holds system. I put a few books off my TBR on there, and wow, I got way more than I thought I would right away. I am slowly making my way through them!
Another reading-related thing that I have found and love is Books By The Pound. It is a bookstore near where we live, and you pay for your (used) books based on how much they weigh. I got The Chronicles of Narnia collection and four other books for $19. You can’t beat that. I will be going there again (hopefully Sam will let me) to get more books from my TBR list.
“For as long as she could remember, she had thought that autumn air went well with books, that the two both somehow belonged with blankets, comfortable armchairs, and big cups of coffee or tea.” // The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald has been on my TBR list since I began keeping up with it. This book was so charming! The small-town setting gave me a nostalgic sense while reading it. It is also packed with lovable characters and a bookstore, which makes for a perfect book to snuggle up on the couch with. I couldn’t put this book down once I started it, and it was a great, light read that had a happy ending!
“Our limitation is God’s opportunity. When you get all the way to the end of your rope and there ain’t nothin’ you can do, that’s when God takes over.” // Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore was one of those books that I knew about for a long time but had never read. It is the story of two unlikely friends and the woman that brings them together. It far-exceeded any expectations that I had built up in my head. It was such a heart-wrenchingly beautiful story. It was fast-paced but not a page-turner with short chapters and alternating perspectives. I think this is the book that I have cried the most in ever. This is a book that I would recommend to anyone!
“Strange, how such a small realization can affect everyone’s life forever. In movies there is always a carefully staged moment – a big crescendo of music, close-ups of the actors’ faces, the camera slowly pulling away to let all this sink in for the viewer…but, in real life, most all of the extraordinary things happen with no more loudness than a whisper.” // Eli the Good by Silas House was a great, YA read. I don’t really know how to explain the book, except that it made me feel good. Eli is the most precious character that you end up really loving. I loved his observations about his family and everyday life. This was a good, quick read!
“Life changes you, even if you don’t realize it while it’s happening, and it turns out you can’t take back the years that have passed by.” // The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel has a lot of the elements that I love in a book! The family secret, the lovable characters, and the pretty much happy ending made this one that I will always remember. World War II was woven into this story in a beautifully tragic way, and it showed the reality of how war tears people apart. It also illuminates that people, no matter how difficult, will come together to help in times of great difficulty.
I also did a reading recap of the first ten books I read this year in a post here.
Watching-Related
This Is Us is just incredible television. I know that’s not really news to anyone, but wow. The finale was a bit disappointing I will say just because I thought we were going to find out what happened to Jack. I’m okay with prolonging it though, I guess. The redeemable part of that episode was Randal telling Beth that he wants to adopt. TEARS
I’m still watching Grey’s Anatomy, but mostly because I just have to finish it. I have to stick it out. It could be redeemed if they brought back another original cast member maybe, but we’ll see how it goes…
Yes, I am one of those people that watched The Bachelor, and yes, I was one of the people that picked Vanessa as my favorite. I was really sad for Raven just because she is so sweet, and I am more than a little bit annoyed about the way that they announced Rachel as the bachelorette before she was even off the show. I’m glad Nick’s season is over. I never really liked him…
Survivor is back, and it is crazy, as always. If you watch it, you know what I’m about to say, THAT TRIBAL COUNCIL was ridiculous, and the fact that Malcolm is the one they voted out makes me so mad. Get rid of Sandra, people!
Lastly, I made a bracket this year, so we’ve been keeping up with March Madness. I only made a bracket because our group of friends made one and a date night is on the line. I think I did decently, and at the time of writing this, it’s between my husband and one of the other guys to see who wins. Go UNC (that’s who we need to win for us to win the date night :))!!
Baby-Related
The IKEA high chair is the way to go when it comes to high chairs people. It’s cheap, and it is easy to clean! You can’t beat a $25 high chair people, you just cant. We’ve also been using this zip-up picnic blanket that my mom let us borrow to hang out outside with Henry. He loves it, but now that he’s mobile, he doesn’t really stay on it very well… Anyway, we’ve been keeping that accessible since we’ve had all this beautiful weather lately.
My brother got Henry some sunglasses that look a lot like these. Henry likes to take them off, but they are so cute when he does leave them on for a bit.
Will also bought Henry this Carter’s Baby Boys Baseball Cap . It is so cute! Henry will actually leave it on for awhile too. My parents bought the outfit that go with the hat too. Henry has no shortage of clothes or accessories, mostly because of his grandparents.
Thanks, Mom, for this super cute picture of H!
Food/Drink-Related
While in Birmingham this past week, we visited Feast and Forest for breakfast with some friends. It has a really cool feel, a loft-type area, yummy food and coffee! It was a spot I’m sure we will visit again.
We also went to the new Pizitz Food Hall in Birmingham with the same friends. We had bowls from Ono Poke which were essentially all the things from a sushi roll in a bowl. SO. GOOD. There are all different kinds of food from all over the world there, so it is definitely a place we’ll have to go back to to try more things!
Listening-Related
This was an impulse buy for us. We knew that we liked the Ed Sheeran stuff we had heard on the radio, but we had never been big enough fans to buy his other songs. We impluse-bought the deluxe version of his new album at Target, and we have been listening to it non-stop! I think Sam says, “Oh, I like this one!” to every single song, except track one.
I’ve also been listening to some podcasts recently, which I’ve really enjoyed. My favorites right now are The Popcast, which is about pop culture and is so funny. I find myself laughing out loud and talking back to Knox and Jamie the whole time. I’m also loving What Should I Read Next? for all my reading needs. This is one of those shows that I’ve gone back and listened to old episodes while waiting for the new one each week. Lastly, Sorta Awesome is another great listen. It is about all things awesome. I’ve really enjoyed it!
Blog-Related
I took a little break from Motherhood Monday (unintentionally but life got crazy), but it is back now! Jessica V. is my latest mom with a sweet story and some great words of wisdom. I’ve also been more intentional about blogging my photo sessions. There are several sessions on the blog that I would love you to look back at!
Life-Related
Life has been crazy around here lately. Sam had ACL and meniscus surgery at the beginnig of March. That required me to drive him around pretty much all month.
We’re also facing a big transition for our family. We haven’t really announced what that transition will be yet but keep checking back to find out what that may be.
We got to spend a week traveling and seeing family and friends, and I’ve been trying to carry my camera around more to take pictures of everyday life. This was a good time to start this practice.
Lastly, Henry is crawling, clapping, waving, and squealing all the time. He is such a happy baby, and he loves people.
Henry has always loved bath time, and now his favorite thing to do is splash!We celebrated the March birthdays on my side of the family this month!Henry with both of his maternal great-grandmothers.We can’t wait for Aunt Maci and Uncle Aaron to get married in June!!Henry got to meet and hang out with Rhyken, who is only 3 days younger than him.Henry with his Maw, Sam’s grandmother. She had a picture of Henry’s great great great grandfather, who was always named Henry!
That’s it for this month! Like I said, keep checking back to see what the big transition for our family is. We’re really excited about what’s to come!
Tony’s family and my family have been friends for years. It is crazy to think he is graduating this year. My mom let me come second shoot with her for Tony’s senior session. He was such a good sport about all the poses we asked him to do, and he stayed smiling the entire time. It was a lot of fun to catch up with him and his parents.
Good luck at Troy University, Tony!
Tony Senior — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Tony Senior — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Tony Senior — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Tony Senior — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Tony Senior — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Tony Senior — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Tony Senior — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Tony Senior — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Tony Senior — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Tony Senior — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Tony Senior — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017
Lexie turned 6 months old, and we took some cute pictures to celebrate. I met her family at the park, and we spent some time taking pictures. She was such a good sport! She loved all the poses, smiled at her parents the whole time, and showed off her little personality. We had a great time, even though it did start sprinkling a bit while we were there. Her parents even got in a few pictures too!
I’m looking forward to taking this cutie’s one-year-old pictures when the time comes! 🙂
Lexie Six-Month Pictures — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Lexie Six-Month Pictures — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Lexie Six-Month Pictures — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Lexie Six-Month Pictures — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Lexie Six-Month Pictures — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Lexie Six-Month Pictures — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Lexie Six-Month Pictures — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Lexie Six-Month Pictures — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Lexie Six-Month Pictures — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Lexie Six-Month Pictures — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Lexie Six-Month Pictures — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017Lexie Six-Month Pictures — Birmingham, AL — Spring 2017
Stevey and I met when we both did Girls’ State after our junior year of high school. Since then, we have kept up with each other through social media. She is graduating college in May, and I know that she couldn’t be more excited! When we met to take her pictures, her little sister was with her, so we incorporated her into some of the pictures too. She was so cute and sweet, and she really added something extra to the pictures. We had a great time, and we caught the sunset before we ran out of sunlight for the day!
Stevey Graduation — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Stevey Graduation — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Stevey Graduation — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Stevey Graduation — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Stevey Graduation — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Stevey Graduation — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Stevey Graduation — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Stevey Graduation — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Stevey Graduation — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017Stevey Graduation — Montevallo, AL — Spring 2017
Birthday pictures are becoming some of my favorites! I met up with Oliver and his sweet mom, Mindy, who used to be my babysitter, a few weeks ago. When we got to where we were taking the pictures, he was asleep in the car and had to wake up before we could really get going. After that, Oliver was toddling around and being super sweet. We had a great time catching up and chasing Oliver while he explored. I can’t believe this big boy is already ONE. Also, look at that super cute dinosaur one outfit!! I can’t get over these.
Oliver Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Winter 2016/2017Oliver Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Winter 2016/2017Oliver Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Winter 2016/2017Oliver Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Winter 2016/2017Oliver Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Winter 2016/2017Oliver Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Winter 2016/2017Oliver Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Winter 2016/2017Oliver Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Winter 2016/2017Oliver Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Winter 2016/2017Oliver Birthday Pictures — Helena, AL — Winter 2016/2017
The Open Hands, Open Home Spring Special key word is DINOSAUR.
“For as long as she could remember, she had thought that autumn air went well with books, that the two both somehow belonged with blankets, comfortable armchairs, and big cups of coffee or tea.” // 
“Our limitation is God’s opportunity. When you get all the way to the end of your rope and there ain’t nothin’ you can do, that’s when God takes over.” // 
“Strange, how such a small realization can affect everyone’s life forever. In movies there is always a carefully staged moment – a big crescendo of music, close-ups of the actors’ faces, the camera slowly pulling away to let all this sink in for the viewer…but, in real life, most all of the extraordinary things happen with no more loudness than a whisper.” // 
“Life changes you, even if you don’t realize it while it’s happening, and it turns out you can’t take back the years that have passed by.” // 
My brother got Henry some sunglasses that look a lot like 
Will also bought Henry this 
This was an impulse buy for us. We knew that we liked the Ed Sheeran stuff we had heard on the radio, but we had never been big enough fans to buy his other songs. We impluse-bought 
