Counting Days, Fingers, and Toes.

Twenty one more days.  That's how long I have until I move into more new dorm room, at a new college, in a new state, with a new roommate.  The countdown has begun... Amongst that chaos, I had a few brief hours, on Saturday, to spend with some of my extended family.

I have one of those crazy families, it's broken, dramatic, and dysfunctional. We usually see them at other family members' funerals or at the occasional cookout, I believe the last time we met on terms other than for those of mourning, was six years ago.

Lots of life goes by in six years.  Children grow up, or are born. Which is where I would like to pause for a moment.

No matter how crazy my life is, holding a baby always seems to comfort me.  I'm not sure why, maybe its just the thought that you are holding something truly innocent.  This little human has no worries, she isn't thinking about college, she isn't concerned with boys, she doesn't care what her body looks like.  She is just there, full of possibilities and hope.

This weekend I had the opportunity to photograph a family member's four month old baby girl. She is so precious and I just had to share.

Summer Nights and Movie Scenes.

Today was a movie.  Or at least as close to a movie as my life can get.

It's one of those movies based in a small town in the middle of summer and everyone does "summer-y" things.  Go to fairs, eat corn dogs, ride ferries wheels, swim in a lake (or pond), eat homemade raspberry pie, hang out in the hay loft of a barn, just talking.  A day spent care free, with the only worry being sun burn.  

It was picturesque, though regrettably my camera was at home all day.

It would have been a good movie, filled with comedy, action, and an epic love.  That's right, you read it correctly.  

Love. 

Now not the Nicholas Sparks kind of romance.  My flame was not quiet the norm.  Most girls would shy away from the thought of him... but he has charmed me to the very core.  I will not share his name, mainly because I do not know it, and even though we have only just met I feel that he and I have a very special connection.   

He is a two week old calf.  

That's right.  A cow.  This is how romance filled my life is. 

My friend just recently got the calf and he hasn't been feeling well, so tonight, after swimming and pie, some friends and I hung out in the hay loft of the barn, to keep it company. 

We talked, laughed, and sang. (The calf was not so keen on these activities as his human companions but I think he enjoyed listening)

We discussed life in the briefest of ways;

-Promising each other we would write each other letters after I go off to college and another heads off to boot camp.  

-Collecting evidence for future black mail.

-Reminiscing over music

It was quite fantastic and I was sad to have it end. Yet again affirming the reality that I'm leaving in four weeks. But I hope to have more nights like tonight.  Many more. 

My Little Brother.

So I have yet to vent to the interwebs about my brother.  You all are in for a treat.

                     This is my little brother. I like him. He's mine. I'm gonna keep him forever.

My brother and I are thirteen months apart.  We grew up like twins, and most people thought we were, in a Polish neighborhood.  Thus giving us the nickname, "The Polish Twins".  A term we still use today.

We grew up being each other's best friend.  The neighborhood didn't have any kids our age so we ended up being each other's constant companion.  This has caused massive fights over the years, usually over the stupidest things.  Yet we have never stayed mad at each other for more than a day, irritated at each other; yes.  Mad? No.

                                                    I mean seriously, we are adorable. 

This kid and I have been through so much together, helped each other through difficulties with family, friends, sports, and the decision of what to eat for a midnight snack.  He is such an amazing young man I can't quite get over it.

                                                            He's a stunner. Look out ladies.

I'm immensely proud of this kid, even when he makes mistakes, looses his temper, or we fight, I still keep coming back to how much I love him and how my life has been enriched my having him in it.  God has blessed me with a brother that listens to my seemingly endless rants, watches crappy TV shows with me, lets me ask questions when he is in the middle of his video games, eats what ever I make him and gives an honest opinion of it, lets me sit at his lunch table at school, and never judged me for the mistakes I have made.

He is a fantastic person, brother, son, and friend, and I know he will be an amazing husband and father in the future.  Life still has things to teach him, but I'm not worried.
He is such a strong person and he will be able to handle anything life throws his way, and be able to sing a song about it.


I love you Broder. I am so looking forward to seeing you grow up and to see what God has in store for you.

And congrats on the new job by the way.

More Than Just Four Days.

"Sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary simply by doing them with the right people." -Nicholas Sparks

My weekend has been filled with completely ordinary activities, but spent with the most amazing people.  It was one of the best weekends I have had in a while.

Some how these people can make simple walks, coffee breaks, sing-a-longs, and stargazing into something so much more.   When conversation lulls, there is no need to fill the silence, the simple fact that we are in each others'company is enough.  Now it is rare for the conversation to stop, (we seem to never run out of things to discuss, references to point out, or jokes to make) but when it does it's never uncomfortable and it's never boring. 

We are always spontaneous and that seems to work well for us.  Not often do you make a dingy while sitting in a coffee shop, realize you have sexy and mysterious hair while jumping on a trampoline, become Yoda while stargazing, or discover mangoes during a church service.

God has truly showed me the meaning of friendship, the value of a good chat, and the importance of caffeine this weekend.  I'm in awe of how God is working in everyone's lives, pulling us all closer together while we surge forward into the next phase in our lives.

I have been blessed by these last four days.  They are days that I already miss and will not easily forget.