A package is arriving tomorrow, but don’t open it.  Chad told me. What kind of package? I asked him. It doesn’t matter, just don’t open it. I persisted, What is it?  Will I get to know what’s in it?Yes, he told me.  Just don’t open it right now.  I must have been tired, because I […]

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  • lisa - October 16, 2012 - 2:04 pm

    Summer, it's been too long since I've stopped by your lovely corner of the world…Much has happened in my world- we've moved to Nashville for starters! But how I've missed you!! It's amazing to watch with awe at how you've grown and INSPIRED me with your beautiful talent! Truly, it has been such a privilege that you've shared and allowed us to see into your heart and world…

    again and always- THANK YOU! You are very special…and I feel so privileged that you stopped by my long ago blog and commented and introduced yourself to me….I think of you and your bravery everyday! This plaque is something that is etched on my heart…I've been trying to find a way to live it. Baby steps…

    So proud of you!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    ReplyCancel

    • Summer - October 17, 2012 - 2:17 am

      Lisa, what a surprise to hear from you again! I had no idea you moved. I hope you are well and I will admit, I do miss your blog. I understand, though, that life happens. . .

      Your words here mean so much. Thank you for taking the time to cheer me on in the midst of your crazy, busy life. You have always been such an encourager to me and I appreciate it so much.

      You are right. . . baby steps. I'm so proud of you, too!!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - October 16, 2012 - 6:30 pm

    whoa – this family and these pictures are absolutely stunning! seriously. s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g! also, i have been faithfully reading and rarely commenting, so forgive me. also, i love that plaque from Ky. she's a real keeper, and so are you.
    love, miss ReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - October 17, 2012 - 1:10 am

    Good for you!!!! <—yes, all those exclamation points are warranted. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Do you make trips to Toledo? ReplyCancel

  • kate โ€ข one more thing - October 17, 2012 - 6:27 pm

    Summer…

    You are truly an inspiration. Your writing and photos are amazing. I admire your dedication to make the time to focus on what you love. It's not an easy thing to do and you do it with grace. Every single time I visit your blog I think… I need to write, I need to pick up my camera. Hopefully one of these times, I will. But until then, I live vicariously through you and enjoy every minute.

    And if you find yourself near Toledo, I would love to have you take some of your beautiful photos of my family… or we can meet you somewhere in between as well. We are always back and forth between here and Cleveland. I'm serious… let's please do this sometime??

    KateReplyCancel

    • Summer - October 18, 2012 - 1:22 am

      Kate,

      My sister lives in Toledo. . . that could absolutely happen.

      Absolutely.

      ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

    • kate โ€ข one more thing - October 23, 2012 - 1:58 pm

      Yay!!! Let me know when you are planning another trip this way. I am in. Your photos are beautiful! I will send you a message with my contact information ๐Ÿ™‚

      So excited!ReplyCancel

  • Ky โ€ข twopretzels.com - October 18, 2012 - 4:58 am

    Gorgeous photos. You? You have a gift. An eye. Craig and I were just remarking about it tonight while looking at one of your instagram pics.

    Love you. You're inspiring, little lady.ReplyCancel

  • Wrestling Kitties - October 23, 2012 - 5:03 pm

    Gorgeous photos and congrats on starting this journey!!

    If you do ever come to Toledo for anyone else or to do photo shoots, let me know….the H. family is in need of some professional photos!!

    ReplyCancel

Have you ever have one of those moments when you feel like you’ve got it all together?  Moments when everything seems to fall into place and you take a deep breath and own it. . . I’m a rock star.  Maybe it’s in your job or your hobby or motherhood or simply a feeling of […]

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  • Katie - October 12, 2012 - 1:07 pm

    I once got pulled over in the school parking lot while doing 35 in a school zone (ahem . . . .) and gave the officer a really good belly laugh when he asked me what was my hurry. I must've looked terrified when I answered meekly, "I'm late for my hair cut and color."

    I still don't know why he laughed so hard, but I'm glad I made his day happier. ; )ReplyCancel

  • Kim Ellis - October 12, 2012 - 3:01 pm

    Ahhh Yes… this brought back memories for me too! the 2 times I got a ticket Jeremy was in the car… When he was 4 … The policeman came to the window and he looked at him and said.. "I JUST KNEW My mommy was going to get a ticket" THAaaaanks! And when Jeremy was 16 .. he was in the passengers seat.. the policeman came to the window and while I was getting my ticket filled out .. he and the police officer had a conversation about why people cant ride their Bikes on the interstate… sheesh!! The police also said if Jeremy hadn't been in the car he would have given me a warning .. but since this was a teachable moment to the 16 year old .. yes I had to pay!!! LOL !!! GO Charlie on the 2 Goals.. YIPPEEEE! ReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - October 12, 2012 - 3:15 pm

    Meadow in layers is beyond cute!

    I have a lead foot too. ;( I hate the feeling I get when I see a cop and KNOW I'm breaking the rules. I start shaking a little, I get hot and my stomach instantly feels like it weighs 1,000 pounds. Hate that! So funny about Chanelle reminding you to slow down. Ha! If that happened with Sophia, she'd NEVER let me live it down. She'd tell EVERYONE. Hmmm…maybe I should pay more attention and slow down too. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Happy Weekend!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - October 16, 2012 - 2:33 am

    I found myself on that very same road today and found myself driving extra slow! ๐Ÿ™‚ AND–I know what you mean, Why do we find ourselves so thankful for things we really are not!? (After thanking the officer for my ticket…) haha! Glad you can laugh at this. I will laugh with you. ๐Ÿ™‚

    One last thing, Love that photo of our boys together…I think I need it for the scrapbook! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Happy Monday!
    JoEllenReplyCancel

I don’t know how long I can do this, he said. I think the universe has different plans for me & we sat there in silence & I thought to myself that this is the thing we all come to & this is the thing we all fight & if we are lucky enough to […]

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Charlie and Chanelle love to watch old home videos.  They love to watch their younger selves in action and laugh at the silly things they used to say and do.  While they enjoy watching all the home videos, one in particular ranks above all the rest.  In the favorite video Charlie is just shy of […]

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  • Evie - October 8, 2012 - 5:03 pm

    I like to call them the big littles because as you have so truthfully told, they are what really matters. It is hard as a parent to say 'no,' and especially when so many other people say 'yes,' but I think it's a real life lesson to not always get what you want even if your friends do. It puts the emphasis on love and family and experiences where it should be.ReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - October 8, 2012 - 6:24 pm

    Taking a moment away from working to comment here…

    You are doing it SO RIGHT! It IS the little things that count, I'm certain of it. Your children will thank you for all these little moments some day. Love seeing C & M playing together…adorable sisters…the bond. It kills me.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - October 9, 2012 - 1:29 am

    You are so good at ETST my friend!! So good!! It inspires me. I do want to know if you ever get sucked into the wrestling matches? Just curious, cause I try my best to keep a distance:)
    Love ya- Marie ReplyCancel

One evening two years ago I started a blog.  It was an innocent gesture.  A little space created for myself and maybe a few family members and friends who might humor me and check out what I put in my space.  It was fun.  It became a creative outlet and filled something in me that […]

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  • Ky โ€ข twopretzels.com - October 5, 2012 - 9:44 pm

    Summer, these photos bring tears to my eyes. I think you captured it.

    "Before I go into any shoot I whisper a quiet prayer. . . Help me to capture who they really are…"

    [sigh]ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - October 6, 2012 - 1:35 am

    Okay, so we are HONORED to be featured on Running Chatter today! What a lovely surprise this morning.

    I seriously can't stop looking at the photos. Love them all! What a fun and relaxing night that was. You are AWESOME, my friend!

    The line I love in this post is this one: "I've learned that mistakes are not failure, they are our greatest teaching tools." SO TRUE!

    Thanks again
    JoEllenReplyCancel

  • Sarah Yoder - October 6, 2012 - 3:09 am

    Great photos! Love this family…and you did an amazing job capturing their spirit! ๐Ÿ™‚ ReplyCancel

  • Kendra George - October 7, 2012 - 8:55 pm

    so do you take road trips to Tupelo, MS?! I would love for a photo shoot of my family from Summer! But, I know that's a lot to ask! I wish we lived closer so that
    could be a reality!! Maybe someday when you are rich and famous photographer, you can swing by after an important photo shoot! ๐Ÿ™‚ Love your pics!! as always…ReplyCancel