Sunday morning I walked into the 1-year old room at our church.  I peeked down into the sea of toddlers in search of Meadow and saw her chewing on the head of a baby doll.  I smiled for a split second because, let’s be honest, it was kind of cute.  But then my Mama brain […]

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  • Katie - June 27, 2013 - 4:34 pm

    i totally get you about the throw up thing. joey used to save all his . . . "episodes" . . . just for me. not one time did he ever share his treasures with daddy, nope, ALWAYS me.

    Sigh . . . ; )ReplyCancel

  • doug s. - June 27, 2013 - 6:34 pm

    Thanks for the goosebumps. Not sure which I appreciated more, your reflections using letters or your reflections using pixels. Thanks again.ReplyCancel

  • Marcie - July 8, 2013 - 1:42 pm

    "Momma, guess what?" To which I say "what?" "You're stuck with it!" To really make them giggle I say "with what?" They squeal and say "WITH IT!" Ugh, kids. Teach Charlie that one…it's lots of fun to fill in with the icup and under where. Must be a seven year old thing, my days have been filled with this. I still love summer vacation, regardless of how many times I spell icup. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Happy summer Summer!ReplyCancel

  • Hummel Family - July 9, 2013 - 4:40 am

    Hey lady– I am catching up with you in this space. I know, its late and I should be sleeping. ha! I wanted to say that tonight I had a moment similiar to how you feel at times…After putting our kiddos to bed, I said to Burke, "isn't it crazy to think we have kids? How can that be? We are parents? I do not feel old enough!" So, I get what you were saying mid way through this particular post. We are so blessed, aren't we? We may have some rough days along the way (umm, remember that crazy FRIDAY I had a couple weeks ago!!!??) but the good times definitely out weigh the rough times. ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚ So glad you're enjoying summer break. I'm thinking I may need to stop in for some "redneck" water park fun! lol

    JoEllenReplyCancel

I have been formulating this post in my head for over a week now.  There is so much I want to say, but I’m not sure how to organize my thoughts.  Maybe I should just wait and marinate on the ideas a bit, but I know if I wait too long–I’ll never write it.  I’ll […]

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  • jackie - June 24, 2013 - 3:35 pm

    Summer: WWhat beautiful words and pictures:) You are doing what God created you to do. You touch our hearts by the words you say. And say so beautifully.

    ReplyCancel

  • Kathy Dickson - June 24, 2013 - 8:30 pm

    Humbled and grateful for the journey with you, friend- for to as many people as you have said, "you can," I hope that you continue and always do receive those words yourself, gifted and talented you! Thank you for saying "I can" to this. I love you! KatReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - June 25, 2013 - 1:58 am

    oh friend.
    friend.
    friend.
    FRIEND!!

    you did so much more than just "keep up". you really rocked it. through the normal doubts and fears and "do i really have this under control". we knew that you'd be GREAT. and even if you didn't FEEL great, that your results would be stunning. and they were. you know what though, even if the proof was not in the proofs (hahah! i photog joke that you can laugh at; come on, it was funny!), we would still love you. for your greatness will never be measured solely in what you produce in pictures or words. but you, my friend, are a beautiful soul and everyone who knows you knows this.

    i love you. and i have other words, but just between friends words, and i am so proud of you. ; ) love you, MISS

    p.s. – glad you didn't tell them about that one time that we went to Cedar Point and never even go to ride the rides…. ; ) ReplyCancel

    • Summer - June 25, 2013 - 2:17 am

      Miss.

      Now I am crying.

      You didn't give up on me. . . for that, I am so thankful. For that, I am changed.

      I love you. ReplyCancel

  • Jen Wiles - June 28, 2013 - 1:07 pm

    You have a talent that goes far beyond your photography skills… Your words, your grateful heart, your sharing ways… Your ability to express everything you're experiencing on paper with your readers… I'm sitting here crying because "you get it"… You've found your way and you appreciate the life you've been given. Thank you for sharing your stories! ReplyCancel

    • Summer - June 28, 2013 - 10:07 pm

      Jen, I'm so thankful our paths have crossed. Thank you for your kind words, your kind heart, and your constant support. I (we) are so thankful for you. ReplyCancel

. . . that’s why I haven’t blogged. You don’t believe me, do you?  I have proof.  See? That’s Chad.  In a tie.  On a beach.  In. . . I can’t lie.  No, I haven’t been in Maui. (I wish.)  Actually, we were less than two hours from home where I photographed a wedding.  On […]

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  • Anonymous - June 19, 2013 - 1:27 pm

    you (and Chad) were GREAT last weekend! i was happy to keep Chad entertained during dinner and so happy to see you both. he's a great sidekick for sure. and your work is amazing. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Love,
    MissReplyCancel

  • Ky | TwoPretzels - June 20, 2013 - 6:58 pm

    The legacy of incredible men in our life is amazing.

    Truly awesome.ReplyCancel

  • Iris Took - June 28, 2013 - 1:18 pm

    COOL! Love the Dinos. Also your B&W photos are amazing.ReplyCancel

It’s nearly 5 o’clock in the afternoon.  I rarely blog in the afternoon.  Typically, I wait until little ones are tucked in their beds and the sounds of tiny feet pitter-pattering on the floor have silenced.  It is far easier to think when it’s quiet.   The house is quiet right now, though.  I am […]

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  • CharisFaith - June 13, 2013 - 11:35 am

    Love the impromptu photo shoot with Chanelle!!! Gorgeous!!!

    I think part of growing up, no matter how old we might be, is realizing that we are works in progress. It's about progress not perfection ๐Ÿ™‚

    One of the hardest things is letting go of our vision and letting the vision develop itself but this is so necessary in order to find the joys in the journey.ReplyCancel

    • Summer - June 13, 2013 - 6:31 pm

      Works in progress. . . so true. I agree with you. We'll never find it until we let go, right?ReplyCancel

  • Wrestling Kitties - June 13, 2013 - 12:55 pm

    Summer, these photos are absolutely GORGEOUS.

    Just amazing.

    The ones of C. jumping are simply perfection!!!

    And this "I've got to let go of the vision and let the vision create itself". SO. TRUE.

    I know I am at fault for that. Sometimes I am so focused on how things should be, I miss the present and how amazing it is right now. Those unscripted moments can be the most beautiful.

    (Seriously, your pictures are gorgeous….we need to do something this fall with you!!)ReplyCancel

    • Summer - June 13, 2013 - 6:32 pm

      Steffany is a wise one, isn't she?

      I love having this community to work all of this out. We're so not alone, are we? ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

    • Sassytimes - June 13, 2013 - 7:47 pm

      You guys make me sound like I have it all together….hahahaha. ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Summer, Jenn is right. These photos are AMAZING. You are a true talent. ReplyCancel

    • Wrestling Kitties - June 14, 2013 - 12:44 pm

      Steffany IS a wise one! She helps me to feel a little more sane….even if in reality we are all crazy! ๐Ÿ˜‰ReplyCancel

  • Mickey D. - June 13, 2013 - 5:08 pm

    I am blown away by these photos. They're beautiful. And your words are always so lovely and true.

    You should add "I'll come to your house and take unscripted photos" as one of your packages. Nothing staged, just "life as it happens" kind of moments. I think that would be so cool. Judging by this post, I think you know how to do exactly that. You have some serious talent.

    (It helps having gorgeous subjects, too. I just love the one with one kid in the cabinet and the other hand peeking out. Adorable!) ReplyCancel

    • Summer - June 13, 2013 - 6:33 pm

      Thank you so much for your kind words. I like your package idea. Might be long winded, but it gets the message across, right? ๐Ÿ™‚ ReplyCancel

  • Jennifer Eiden - June 13, 2013 - 6:01 pm

    So well said, Summer! I can relate to your post, as I am going back to school to change careers. This definitely wasn't the plan I had for myself about 15 years ago, and not what I expected to be doing, but I am learning to enjoy every minute of it. Like you said, I had to let go of that vision that I had for myself and let the vision create itself. It wasn't an easy thing to do, but I think it will be worth it! More and more, I've tried to "embrace the journey" and I've been more at peace with things than I have in several years. Beautiful pictures!ReplyCancel

    • Summer - June 13, 2013 - 6:34 pm

      Thank you, Jennifer. So exciting this journey, isn't it? I guess really. . . how many things that are exciting, aren't a little bit scary, too, huh? I guess that is what life is about. All the best to you on YOUR journey!!ReplyCancel

  • Joni - June 13, 2013 - 7:49 pm

    Beautiful as always Summer. I love your stories and photos. I love how the pictures tell a story all by themselves.ReplyCancel

    • Summer - June 15, 2013 - 4:20 pm

      Thank you so much, Joni. I appreciate that so much. ReplyCancel

  • Katie - June 13, 2013 - 10:34 pm

    I struggle with the same doubts and insecurities and comparisons just like you, Summer. It's something I've struggled with my whole life, but your friend's words are so, so true. I've got to learn to give up these preconceived ideas and learn to live in the day. I've gotten better—telling myself that I have my whole long life to love this photographic adventure I've undertaken. It's such a freeing sense once I admitted that to myself. As always, these are phenomenal photos. You are truly gifted, my friend!ReplyCancel

    • Summer - June 15, 2013 - 4:21 pm

      I so appreciate that you get it, Katie. Thank you. ReplyCancel

  • doug s. - June 14, 2013 - 3:17 am

    Ok, got my eyes dry enough to see the keyboard. Oh Summer how I could relate to your running. After a MOST difficult day at work Wednesday it was my shoes that evening that brought peace to my head. Be confident that you are not missing the journey that you are on. It is not taking place without you. Your words make that clear. Your pictures confirm it beyond doubt. Steffany's words are a foundation to build on. Keep on, keeping on!ReplyCancel

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  • Ky | TwoPretzels - June 20, 2013 - 7:00 pm

    Summer. I am BLOWN AWAY.

    Speechless.

    YOU ARE LIVING THE LIFE YOU DREAMED.

    These photos? Oh, my.ReplyCancel

  • 65 Roses for Marcia - June 25, 2013 - 1:50 am

    These pictures are truly awesome!ReplyCancel