This is why

It's just a snap shot, taken in a simple farm yard. And it is because of that I love this photograph. I was drawn to the simplicity. The way his arm draped around her shoulders, so natural - as though it could spend a lifetime there. And it did.

I've no idea when it was taken, but I enjoy the worn edges and cracks. I don't know if it was before or after they got married. But it doesn't matter. All that matters is that this picture sums up a lifetime of love.

This is why I love what I do.

Squeals

She squeals when she's excited. Rubs her eyes when she's tired. And she's pulling herself up on furniture... getting closer and closer to walking every day.

Here are just a couple photos from the week I spent watching Miss Emily.

I'm going to miss her squeals...

New week

Ahhh, the start of a new week. Last week my nephews wore me out. Saturday I was able to tackle the disaster that had taken over our house. Yesterday the committee I'm on ran a concession stand at the truck pull, rescheduled after being cancelled Jubilee Days weekend. It was a long... loud day.
Today is Monday. Today I'm watching eight month old Emily. There just might be photos of her posted later this week.
I can't believe it's almost JULY! Very exciting.
It's going to be a jam-packed month. Or rather, there's one very full weekend. I'm photographing a two day corporate event at the Iowa Speedway in Newton July 9-10. Family photos first thing in the morning July 11 followed by a wedding in Cedar Falls that afternoon. I'm really excited.
In the meantime... I'm still on the job hunt. Keep your fingers crossed!

Happy Monday!

Gatorade, a cough causing tooth, and diaper paranoia

On Sunday we celebrated the birthday of our favorite just-turned-three-year-old nephew. Calvin has been obsessed with music for at least a year, which is forEVER when you're that little. For his birthday he got a pre-loved authentic snare drum. Talk about great parents. Sacrificing their hearing for the passion of their child.

This week I'm watching our nephews. Just helping out while their sitter is on vacation. My ears are still ringing. I kid. The drum came with a handy dampening pad. God bless the man who included that little piece of sanity.

Here are the ramblings of a three-year-old from today:

1. "My daddy said I can't have gaberade (gatorade)," as he hands me the bottle and asks for some. When I said no he said "but my daddy's not here!"

2. He informed me that I had a cough, and he was the doctor. He looked in my mouth and exclaimed, "I see your cough! It's coming from a tooth." Later when I'd been diagnosed with a stomach ache I asked him what was wrong. After shining his flashlight on my t-shirt he said, "You have a tooth in there too."

3. "But I'm afraid of my diaper!" After going through three pairs of 'big boy' undies and shorts in the course of half an hour (I kid you not!), this was his retort when I suggested putting on a diaper instead.

How stinkin cute is that!

Pops

He taught me how to saddle a horse and ride without looking like "a wet noodle". He showed me how to change a flat tire and check my oil. He instilled in me an appreciation for a hard day's work and struggles to understand my "hard" day of work behind a desk.



I can thank him for my eyes and stubborn streak. He's the first one to help, and while often unsolicted, I know it's because he loves me too much not to.



He spent decades at a job he hated to make sure we never went without. And when he came home, he worked from dawn til dark all over again.

But occasionally there was time for some fun. Getting thrown in the water tank after bailing hay. Listening to him play the harmonica around the camp fire. Bringing us stuffed animals from the claw machines at truck stops. A stupid hat or a goofy laugh.

Happy Father's Day Dad! Hope you're enjoying your weekend camping. Love you.