Defrain Family - Mother's Day Sessions '17

Look at those baby cheeks?! OMG this sweet family added another adorable child to their clan and I got to capture those sweet cheeks! These guys are fun and sweet and work so hard for Jesus. Their littles are so sweet - Leighton loves princesses, Landon loves donuts and and Elena, I mean, those cheeks!?

Compassionate.

Not only is Tiff a great mom, but she's also a hard working nurse. She's pretty much 'taking care' of people all the time. That's mom's job - to take care, to support. It is amazing how life giving it is to give of yourself. That is one of the wonderful gifts of motherhood.

Ryan's Mom and Dad jumped in for a few photos as well! haha love this crazy bunch ;)

Defrain Family - Mother's Day Sessions '17

If you've seen my work for any amount of time, you've probably seen this family pop-up on my feed. They are pretty special to me. The Defrain family has given so much love, service, care, accountability and encouragement to my husband and I, and we're just so grateful for them.

Servant Leadership.

One image that will probably always stick with me when it comes to Steve and Leah is when they were out in the wet, muddy grass helping set up for my wedding. They drove across the country and not only were they there to show their love and support, but they also set an example of humble service, by pushing their sleeves up and doing some dirty work too. It is how they live their life and how they serve their church and ultimately, God.  I've seen this quality in Leah as a Pastor's wife and a mother. She gives of herself to build into the lives of others, and as one of those people, I'm so thankful.

Montgomery Extended Family - Mother's Day Sessions '17

So I got to enjoy this sweet family for twice the amount of time, because we also took photos of their extended family. So many kiddos, cheesing and smiling for their grandparent's session. We spent a beautiful afternoon in Fischer's park - all the trees and flowers blooming green and other bright colors. Seasons and the changes that take place over time always get me thinking, it actually reminds me of another word that defines a mother:

Constant.

Many of us are so blessed to have a Mother we look to and know they are always going to be there for us. When we're young the take care of us non-stop, when we grow up they pack our school lunch everyday and we we're having babies of our own, they answer all our frantic questions and calm our fears. A Mother is one to count on.

Montgomery Family - Mother's Day Sessions '17

Ok this family - ONE OF MY FAVES. Seriously, they give of themselves continually for others, for their family ... they serve with their whole hearts each week at my church, they love and take care of their kiddos so sweetly and now they've added 2 to the bunch! Danielle and Justin are such an example of selfless love to me and I'm grateful for them.

Commitment.

Every mama knows, when they see those positive lines on the pregnancy test or lay eyes on that photo of the child they'll one day adopt, or sees a need and knows it's theirs to fulfill, they just know - its go time. It's time to give and give and give, but gain so much more back in love and joy and purpose. They know it will be hard and tiring and overwhelming, but also SO fun and life bringing and joyful. This motherhood commitment is the best kind - for and because of love.

Gibson Family - Mother's Day Sessions '17

These Mother's Day Sessions are special for a lot of reasons - mama's got photos they'll treasure forever , kiddos/dads got to give a wonderful gift and hopefully, these mom's felt at least a little more special during or because of their shoot. I believe photos are very affirming - they remind us of what's most important and what we have to be so grateful for.

These sweet Gibson kiddos were fun! crazy, but fun ;) and can we not all agree they are just beautiful!? It was wonderful to meet Erika and spend some great time with her and the kids. These photos are so extra special for this family and I was so happy to see their individual and unique personalities come out during our shoot.

Determined.

As mama's we've got be set - in what we believe and fight for for our families, in how we are going to raise our babies and in the hard work it takes to raise them. Kids are crazy and we all know, we were kids once! ;) But as mama's to keep on, keeping on with crazy kids takes determination. Here's to all the determined mama's out there!