Columbia SC Photographer | Life Gets Crazy

I am a candid, upfront, don't hold back and lay it all out real kinda person. I would like to share with you all a little piece of my corner of the world today. We homeschool, have three kids, are packing up to move in with another family, building a house, dealing with death of my dad and living life on the edge.

It doesn't get much crazier than this.

Until you throw the emotions in there and all the stuff you can't see and no one really talks about because it's too hard. Bring on the hard stuff. I am ok with telling people about these things because it shows I am honest and real. I won't sugar coat anything unless it's for humor. This week we took a little break from all the monotony to focus on our blessings and visit our new home that is under construction. It doesn't look much like a home right now but we are beginning to fill those walls with love already. We are not perfect by any stretch. We fight, argue, have little fits and act selfish so this is not a display of look how great we are. It is a reminder of how desperately we need God's protection, His armor, His favor, His grace, His love, His compassion and how every single day we need to be wrapped in His mercy because lord knows we can't do this life alone. 

As the days unfold leading up to the big move, I am reminded of God's provision and faithfulness. So clearly I can remember tears and prayers to God for this moment to come to fruition and now it is here. I couldn't help but try my best to put Him at the center of our home. We took a little trip over to bless our house and these are a few of the images we came up with. Enjoy. 

On his bedroom wall, If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Praise Jesus. My favorite photo from this day. Lexington SC

Isaiah 61

Madison Park, Lexington SC

That it one of the most difficult of all Bible verses.

Columbia SC Photographer | Real Life - Lifestyle Sessions

I know that so many people LOVE lifestyle sessions and so do I truly. I also love posing. Can't I have the best of both worlds? I love offering both. I am a mix of the two. That is what you get with me~ I sometimes follow my own kids around and photograph them just doing life. Breakfast on a Sunday morning before church, school work at the kitchen table, playtime, whatever- it's so real. It is the only time they really smile for real when I pull the camera out because I am mom. Nobody wants to smile for mom, you know? I mean you are just that ol' girl who puts every meal on the table. washes every piece of clothes, runs every errand and soccer practice and basically keeps them ALIVE! But still, it seems that your kids won't give you that show-stopping smile, right? That is why lifestyle shots are the best. When the kids are small and uncooperative (not that they get more cooperative at 12!) you can always get them to have fun. 

I never considered myself good with kids until I had them. Even now, I would not say I am the best with kids but one thing I can do for sure is get them to be themselves. I know how to relate to them in a way that makes them shine and my camera is ready!

We like to make eggs on Sunday mornings. I don't eat them but my kids do. I stick them at the stove with supervision and let them "cook" the eggs. Easy guys, this translates to they stir LOL! My children are 7, 5, 1 and AMAZING. Ok, sometimes they are kids that misbehave BUT they at least like to cook so in my book, that's a win. I can't wait for the day they make me whole meals. That is what every parent dreams of, right?

Real life, lifestyle photographer in Lexington, SC

Making breakfast as a family

Cooking as a family

Let's not forget birthday lifestyle, they are the best! See that sister hiding behind there?

Wishing it was your birthday?

The most loved baby award goes to...

When you wish you had cake...

Brothers, there is nothing more precious. Unprompted, capturing real life.