It's all fun and games until someone poops in the tub...

The room was steamy. He had a twinkle in his eyes. I sat on his lap and we kissed. I felt a bit self-conscious. We glanced at our kids in the bathtub. My one-year-old son was watching us and smiling. We smiled back. I thought about how great my family is. And then my son's face changed. Parents - you know this look - he went from the cute smile to a very slight squint. Yup, THE squint! We jumped up and did our best to clear the tub before the damage was done but we were too late. 

I stripped down and took both kids (now crying from our speedy movements) into the shower for some serious scrubbing. My hubby did towel and diaper and bedtime duty. And as he settled down to read our squeaky clean kids their bedtime story, he turned to me with that twinkle again and said, "Maybe when I am done we can pick up where we left off." I smiled and walked out of the room to clean the dirty bathtub and toys while thinking about how different men and women are.

A Kid's Life Photography Website

He was pick-my-jaw-up-off-the-ground-good...

Suddenly I realized the golf ball was aimed at me. Not intentionally, I had just gotten so wrapped up in "capturing the moment" that I forgot to worry about my teeth getting knocked out. But he was only three years old, right? Make that three years old with an amazing golf swing.

After moving out of the way I had to stand back and watch Ethan hit that ball. I was completely impressed by this kid. He knew exactly what to do. He expertly placed the tee and ball. He took the time to make sure his grip was correct. He had a great swing. And he pretty much hit the ball perfect every time. Yup, he was pick-my-jaw-up-off-the-ground good.

So I thought I would give you a sneak peek of our shoot together. This photograph was the last good one of the day. Ethan's one-year old sister, Sofie, was already napping, and we had pretty much moved into the "done and standing around chitty chatting" phase. Then this shot was right in front of me and I could not resist. He was so cute. And he was already focused on his next mission...

A Kid's Life Photography Website

The two-dog road trip...

Had I received an invitation, not only would I have declined, but I would have laughed at the thought. Two women. Two large dogs. Driving from L.A. to New York City. In a Mini. Yes, you heard me, in a Mini Cooper.

But seeing these two women I must admit that I was a bit jealous of their road trip. As they drove off with the open road ahead, I got in my car and answered my two-year old's question "Why?" about 100 times. They were heading for Chicago and unsure of their exact plans for the next day. Should they sleep in? What tourist things should they do? I was heading home to change the poopy diaper my daughter loudly announced that she had. But as we got home and I changed the diapers and gave the snacks and read the stories and got the kids ready for naps, my daughter turned to me and - completely unprompted - said, "I love you, mom." It was followed by the biggest hug and smile. Maybe staying here isn't so bad.

Enjoy the images from our photo shoot at the dog park...

A Kid's Life Photography Website

We all deserve the occasional pity party...

It was August 12, 2004, and it was to be the first day of our annual family Boundary Waters Canoe trip. Instead of heading north however, I was speaking in front of 700 people at my mom's funeral. Instead of paddling on the clean water dreaming about smores over the campfire, I was kissing my mom goodbye in the pine coffin we made for her. Life changed.

How could it not.

So last weekend I decided to go back to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for the first time since her sudden death four years ago. It was only the second time in my life that I ventured there without her. Without her enthusiasm in meal and trip planning. Without her excitement about the adventures we will have. Without waking up to her reading her bible on some rock overlooking the water. Without her singing songs in the canoe as she paddled. Without her. Without my mom, my dear friend, forever.

My husband and I went. And I had a big pity party. I cried. And cried. And I tried bargaining with God...again. And my wonderful husband let me work through it. And then I felt lighter. And then I felt better. And then I had a great trip.

And next time will be easier. Or maybe it won't. But that's ok too. Anyone who is living through grief understands.

Fortunately I inherited my mom's insane optimism. I am told that the sparkle in my eyes has returned and I am able to feel real joy over God's many blessings. I still look forward to tomorrow and clap when I am happy and want to believe the best will always come. And it will.

I hesitated writing about this here. It is tempting to use the "happy photographer thoughts" filter and not mention anything else. But then that does not feel real. It does not feel like the open book that I tend to be.

And to be honest, these real life times make me a better photographer. They make me know how precious today is and want to capture it all the more. My photographs of my mom are the most precious physical things I have from her life. They are what I treasure the most.

A Kid's Life Photography Website