A Smile for Today

It is always amazing to me to hear what my children have to say, to hear their thoughts about the world, their interpretations of things. It's incredible, the ideas they have. They are often right on the mark - very perceptive little creatures, they are. They are also very candid, sweet and more often than not, very funny.

Over the holidays, we watched the Peanuts Christmas movies quite a bit, so the nativity story has been a frequent topic of conversation. Today, while driving in the car, the conversation went like this:

3-year-old: Mommy, angels don't really say, "Hark!"

Me: Really? What would an angel say, then?

3-year-old: They say, "Hi, I'm an angel. This baby is coming alive."

Thankful for the little things

One of the greatest things about having young children is the daily reminder they give to me to notice the little precious things all around us. As a photographer, I tend to do this automatically, but it is amazing to look at things through their eyes and see it with the wonder they have. Here are a few of the little and not so little things I am thankful for today........


tiny green frosty leaves



An incredible sunset


Driving down the road yesterday, I hear from the back seat......"apple......apple......apple!" He said "apple!" His first food word!




And being in the right place at the right time...

Hope that you all have a wonderful weekend!

♥xo, allie

Counting my Blessings

My children are the most incredible gifts I have ever received. Their joy, curiosity and love take my breath away. Although we are very close, I never lived full-time with my stepbrother and stepsister. Because of this, I grew up mainly as an only child, so one of the most wonderful (and the most challenging sometimes) parts of being a mom to these four little people, is watching their relationships with each other develop. I am so thankful that they have each other to share life with.

Even on the tough days, there is plenty to laugh and smile about around here....

Their Dictionary

gassilator - alligator
rangakoo - kangaroo
sand oliver - sand dollar
companio - piano
superball - superbowl
outside outside - inside out


The benefits (?) of having three older sisters:
So, to my four little buddies, thank you for filling my heart. I love you to the moon and back.