not so

patiently waiting

for this babe

to start sitting,

and now she’s eager

to pull up on everything

and stand

on her own.

she’s growing

like a weed.

so it’s fitting

dandelions filled the field.

oh, emma

you’ve got my heart.

this dad reached out.

he asked his wife

what she wanted for

their 13-year anniversary,

her birthday,

and Mother’s Day.

three important events

all happening

in the same month.

she chose pictures.

be still

my heart.

so early yesterday morning

we played in the wildflowers,

fed the ducks,

and captured them

as they are

right

this

moment.

best morning I’ve had

in a long

time.

Thank you, Sheridan, for being so gracious and wonderful!  I enjoyed our morning so much!

Please head over to The Everygirl to see the full feature!

I’m a sucker for a

lazy afternoon.

lots of time for

free play,

where their

imaginations

can run.

yummy snacks

and a

favorite show.

moments of quiet

while he

reads.

followed immediately by

utter chaos.

all of it

full of

joy.

and laughter.

and noise.

lots

of noise.

don’t forget to make your way around the circle, and enjoy all the other moments captured this month.  my friend,  Jude Wood is amazing, and her children are beautiful.

I’d be lying if I said

I didn’t love making lists,

but this list

it’s my favorite!

the big boy and I

spent today

dreaming up some

big plans!

can

not

wait.

summer 2013 is gonna be epic

and joyful,

intentional

and awesome.

if you’d like to join the fun (and maybe win some prizes this summer), head on over to The Happy Family Movement and join their Summer Bucket List Challenge (MZP is a sponsor again this year!).  your list doesn’t have to be formal or expensive, post-it notes and free activities work just fine…just be sure to include your kiddos in the plans, and joyfully and intentionally engage with them all summer.  I promise you, it will be amazing…something no one in your family will soon forget. xx

“once you know what it takes to live a better story, you don’t have a choice.”

you must make deliberate,

purposeful steps

towards

your best life.

a better story.

happiness in the now.

===============================

there has been lots of talk, ’round these parts, about what we want most for our children.  what we want from the finite number of trips we’ll get around the sun with them.  how we want our days to be filled, and who we wish to spend them with.

lots of talk of more or less.  more intentional moments.  less material possessions.  more hugs and kisses and stories.  less work.  more deliberate, rewarding relationships.  less stress.  more time homesteading.  less worrying about the Jones’ and keeping up with the American Dream.  more of the good.  lots more.  and making certain the choices we make put love + joy + happiness in the forefront.  leaking love.  everywhere.

we’re reevaluating the story our family tells.  every nook and cranny is being unearthed, cleaned up, and our storyline is coming into view.  in moving forward, it means we need to stop worrying about who we were and what parenting mistakes we feel we’ve made, and start moving towards who we want to be.  focusing on the impact we hope to make, and the life we really want to live.

===============================

so I challenge you,

all of you,

to ask yourself

is the story you are living

the best one?

what are you waiting for?

leak love. do good. make it happen.

ps. there is pretty amazing group of people gathering together to read books, tell stories, and have great discussion online.  want to join in the fun…maybe it’ll start a little revolution in your life.  join Natalie Reads over on FB.

a million years ago.

during that awkward time called

middle school.

and thanks to FB

she’s back in

my life.

for Christmas

she and her sister

gifted their parents with

a session.

all of them.

together.

leaking love and

filling the field with

the echoes of

their laughter.

they were amazing.

all of them.

but especially

sweet parker.

what

a

love.

goodness.

watching them

together,

the whispers,

her laugh,

the way he kisses her shoulder.

they couldn’t be

more

in love.

I can’t wait

for June.

special thanks to The Capital Grille in Plano for allowing us exclusive use of their space.  Ali + Mitch love sharing the back booth and enjoying the atmosphere of it all – and the wine room, wow!

in Texas

and not partake

in this

tradition.

bluebonnets

are amazing

in their own right,

but throw a lake

and some

sunlight

into the mix

and it’s down right

magical.

canon EOS3 | 85L | Portra 400 | local develop and scan

day thirty | we knew the chickens personally

day thirty one | the kids’ table