that's right!  it's time to put up your Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. calendar!  

http://www.vik9s.org/2015-calendar/

but i'd like you to meet the one i love the most.  you have probably seen the occasional photo of him scattered around this blog. his name is Milo and he's my own german shepherd. he's 5 years old.  he's a loving & gentle playmate to my children -- and he's a fierce protector of them, too. he's a total goofball with the people he loves but turns into a lion the moment he needs to protect those same people. at 100+ pounds, he still thinks he's my lap dog. he loves his frisbee, playing in the snow (as you'll see below) and going for rides in the car. he is everything that makes a german shepherd the most wonderful companion you could ask for. 

but she's my sunshine even on the cloudiest days.

hello all!  it's been a long and cold winter, but spring has finally sprung!  i'm looking forward to what is quickly shaping up to be one of the busiest months i've ever had and i can't wait for every. single. second.

sitting on the front porch steps with a cup of coffee & Milo by my side as we watch the sunrise.

listening to my kids laugh and play outside.

flowers.

late dinners on the back porch.

wide open windows.  listening to the birds during the day and the bugs at night.

the smell of freshly cut grass.

long evening walks.

my grandfathers who are no longer with me but i think about very often.

my father-in-law, who is the kindest, sweetest person i've ever known.  seriously.

my dad, who I can talk to for hours & hours about anything.  he has the best laugh.

and my husband who is a wonderful dad to our girls... a bit over-protective, but I love him for that.

happy father's day.

after school, front porch, 2 minutes, 6 shots...   i have no excuses! 

first up, little miss m

what an amazing time i had!

thank you to the police officers who so generously allowed me to be a part of their day.  thank you to Sandy and everyone at Vested Interest in K-9s, Inc., an organization dedicated to providing bullet and stab protective vests for K-9′s throughout the United States.  if you would like more information on how you can help this incredible organization, please go to  http://www.vik9s.org/   ...they ROCK!

and i am the maid. 

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers--so many caring people in this world." - Fred Rogers

i had another blog post ready for today, but the Boston Marathon bombing happened this monday and it has been on my mind .  so, i just want to say that my thoughts and prayers are for all those affected and my deep admiration is for those who responded with such bravery and selflessness.

or the soft glow of fire light (Kindle variety)...

i am completely obsessed with it.  my parents named me well :)

it's always the simple and quiet images that speak to me the most.

as a mom and a photographer, one of my greatest joys is witnessing the incredible bond between my children and our german shepherd.

pure joy.

and one last leap off a giant mountain of snow before coming in for hot cocoa. it was the perfect end to a less than perfect weekend.

she's curious, interested and focused. she's here to learn but often she will leave you wondering who is teaching whom.

happy birthday, my sweet little girl.

mother nature does all the work making everything look beautiful.  

even milo got in on the fun.

on this holiday break, i did lots of reading, eating, playing in the snow, sleeping in and cuddling with my hubby & babies.

oh, and i did manage to squeeze in one family portrait. hope you like it.