NYC

This is the Amos family. I love them. We all have dream of moving to lands far away someday. They have one more child on the way, not pictured here; adoption! During the shoot I often asked Lisa to get in positions just not feasible for her, which made us both laugh a lot. It reminded me of this summer when I watched my friend Becca trying to surf while pregnant. While I was not the only concerned one, I didn’t even have time to object before she quickly found out how she was not going to make that comfortable, but as she got off her husband’s board she certainly still thought it was totally possible.

Becca has since had her baby and recently posted this on facebook:

‘ i prayed for a breast pump, and mom’s friend gave her one. it arrives later this week, but mom said its the exact model and brand i wanted!!

Breast pump posts aren’t all that common I imagine, but that is not why this one had me laughing. About 15 years ago I prayed for a breast pump too, with Becca. It was a fundraiser for a group of us venturing off to Europe. We had a decent amount of sales, but Justin, Becca’s brother, thought it would be good for us to pray that specific things would be sold. So when we got around to praying the breast pump to sell, we all let out a good uncomfortable teenage giggle. But you guessed it, about 20 minutes later a young lady picks it up, inspects it and buys it. Now our giggles over a breast pump turned into all out laughter and complete joy over this sale. Obviously, God answers prayers.

This great memory has obviously stuck with both Becca and I. Now we know even more surely, God answers prayers about breast pumps;)

but for now I need to put effort into what ‘might’ be a more normal looking blog.

‘I’m thankful….’ will show up for guest appearances, but the blog will be more like a current record of some photography work. But also, like the thankfulness posts, a look into my life as it looks and my mind as it muses.

I’m thankful…

4508 pictures, 14 schools and 32 hours later a local school district’s website will have photography that is new and fresh. I was often inspired by teachers as I walked in randomly to their energetic classrooms and it reminded me who I want to aspire to be as a teacher. Overly stringent strictness and control from teachers develops the most somber faces on kids. I found myself drawn to the music and art classrooms where the teachers were often more vibrant and expressive with their students. And there the faces of the kids are bright and alive.

The other really impressive element was the diversity I encountered. Ethnicity was represented in many ways, sometimes in dress or hairstyle, but often in name. Ajja seemed like a normal name amidst, Trista, Amaya and Mahoganey.

I had so much fun and have so many observations, it was like being an undercover child psychologist.

I’m thankful…

that an old and a new passion collided this week for a good cause; Come Unity.

www.comeunity.yolasite.com

I’m thankful…

for my newly found weather dependent occupation.

for the last 5 years at Aerials that now makes teaching dance to three year olds relatively enjoyable.

for private lessons with Shelby, she is proof that, with perseverance, gymnastics can be learn in high school.

that this year has a newness that I have been craving for years.

I’m thankful…

for road trips. Especially ones visiting an incredible friend, but also that start the Thursday before Labor Day and involve 24 hours in the car to both Carolinas, hikes, picnics, the beach, a circus class, church at Elevation, friends cousins blow up beds, palm trees, hinahina and all while getting back home Labor Day morning for a nap and work that night.

that just like this blog, I got the time to rest and brace myself for what is to come as I set out this year to be a part time gymnastics coach and part time photographer.

I’m thankful…

to celebrate birthday’s for three people; Angel, Nikki and Dan three days in a row.

I’m thankful…

the Shier’s let me use their pool and hot tub while they were gone and one night watch the moon set there and another day watch Sienna enjoy the water.

I’m thankful…

I didn’t totally botch the start of my first project for Chris.

I’m thankful…

I got to sleep on the ‘fluff” mat at the Aerials sleepover. Not sure what the survival rate would have been otherwise;)

to have spent the weekend with Kim and Rick, two of the most outgoing and friendly people I know. I learn so much from their openness and willingness to engage with anyone and everyone in conversation.