I am so honored to be featured on Revive This Nation's "Spotlight For Him" segment for the month of May! Honestly, when first asked to do this interview I was hesitant because who am I that someone would want to feature me? My life is consumed with diapers and Cheerios these days. I didn't feel like I was doing anything BIG for God right now. But as I answered these questions, God reminded me that anything we do for Him is BIG! It all matters. And we are all part of the mission. I would love if you took a few moments to read the interview and check out this wonderful non-profit organization! Thank you friends! 

A couple weeks ago, I took a few portraits for our sweet friend, Katie. It was somewhat spontaneous, so we ended up taking a few inside my house and most of them outside in my front yard. Also, I came down with some kind of stomach bug right in the middle of it - but Katie was a good sport the entire time and even helped hold the babies for me (she's an amazing babysitter and Micah just loves her!) I am excited to share with you some of the portraits from our fun time together.

Katie is currently going to school for nursing at College of Central Florida (or CF, as we lovingly refer to it) here in Ocala where she and I grew up. We actually have a little history together, although we didn't know it at the time. Her dad was my AP History teacher in high school. One day after class he asked me if I would be interested in babysitting his kids. Since I have a late birthday (May) I was only 15 at the time and not driving yet, so it was going to be difficult for me to get to his house. Unfortunately, I was never able to meet Katie back then. But as God would have it... 10 years later, she ended up becoming MY kids babysitter!

Katie's smile is one of my favorite things about her. And her LAUGH. If you could just hear it. It's the best.

If you live in the Central Florida area and would like to have me as your photographer, please visit my photography page for more details and pricing! 

DSC_0294 _Snapseed

Before I knew them, I longed for them. These children of mine. I longed for someone to call me, "Mommy" and for little hands to hold. I longed to see them smile when they woke up and to sing them to sleep at night. I longed for a chance to love someone so unconditionally that it hurts.

And when the scary thought of never being able to have children crossed my mind, I began to pray for a passion and heart for adopting one day. Because I knew without a doubt, being a mom was part of my purpose in life. However it happened, it would happen.

I have to remind myself of this when the days are tough... and long. When I sit down for two seconds, only to hear the shrill cry of my newborn or, "Mommy! Mommy!" from my one-and-half year old who decided not to nap that day. And when I am cleaning crayon markings off the walls and white dining room chairs that I spent a week sanding, priming and painting (Lysol wipes get the job done though, I must say!) I have to remind myself that I prayed for this season to come. I prayed and God answered. Not because He knew I was ready, but because He was.

We can make our plans, but the lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9